Ar: Buffalo River Trail S. Maumee Rd to Hwy 14

**OgtheKing** · 10-14-2014, 22:03

A few weeks ago a good friend and I went on a 3 day hike at the BRT. The weather was great, highs in the low 80's and nights @ 50°. This was my friends first backpacking trip so I introduced him to my style of hiking. I normally read up on the hike a week ahead of time and then go off what I think it should be when I get there. We parked at the Maumee river launch area and started hiking through a field of tall grass. After @ 30 minutes we were still in the field. That's when I pulled out the map and saw the TH was back up the road about 2 miles. UGH! After we got on the trail we saw a couple small creeks that flowed over a waterfall. The trail was in good shape for the most part. After about a hour and a half the trail we came to a old road with no markings. We tied a piece of string to a tree limb to find the original trail on the way back then headed out again. It was good hiking, we came upon a large area where the ground was tore up. We believed it to be hogs but never saw any. A little farther down the trail we came to a nice creek. We took this chance to get water then hiked about 2 more miles before setting up camp. We didn't see any spots along the trail that looked like they had been used for camping so we just walked off the trail about 200' and hung there.
The next day we packed up everything and left it at the campsite so we could hike lighter. We wanted to see the bluffs overlooking the river. There were a few times the trail was hard to find but mostly it was in good shape. After getting to the last bluff we decided to go back to our gear and try to find our next camping spot. We stopped at the creek again, it was so nice we had to setup on the edge of the trail by the creek. It didn't look like this trail was used much so we didn't think we be in anyone's way. After we had everything in place we walked down the creek to the Buffalo River. We took our meals and ate while watching the sunset. It was so peaceful, anyway...
The next day we packed up and headed back to the truck. It was a good trip even though I got us lost, I think my friend enjoyed his first trip and I know he's looking forward to his next.

**Sporto** · 10-14-2014, 22:22

Beautiful country, this has me stoked for my trip in November. I am planning on doing three nights on the Boxley to Pruitt Western Section. I plan to drive down early on a Friday from the Wichita metro, having never hiked this trail I am curious how far I can get on day 1. Thanks for sharing your trip and feeding my interest in this trail.

**RedStix** · 10-15-2014, 03:18

Thanks for sharing. This report gets me excited to be there tomorrow!

**lytle1gw** · 10-15-2014, 03:55

Thanks for the report and pictures, love that area.

**OgtheKing** · 10-15-2014, 06:07

Glad to share, this was my first trip report and I was worried I'd run long. I always have so much id like to say about my trips. Thanks for viewing, hope y'alls trip is a good one. I look forward to seeing y'alls trip report.