Hung the Ozark Highlands Trail?

**kwpapke** · 02-04-2009, 22:18

I am planning a trip to the Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas in early April. I've been pondering this trail for several years, and if all goes well this will be my first trip there.

Anyone on HF ever hiked/hung on this trail? There are few "official" campsites, so I'll be doing a lot of "find two good trees and hang". Anything I need to be concerned about in regards to hammocking and/or hiking this trail?

I know it has sustained some serious damage in the latest ice storm. I've got a thread going on backpacker.com trying to get the scoop on conditions and determine the optimal section to hike, and I'm monitoring Tim Ernst's journal on any breaking updates.

My current plan is to go solo, but if anyone would like to meet up for a hang and/or hike together I'd be happy to do so. I can still be a little flexible on dates, but ideally I'm looking at the first week of April to hit the peak of Dogwood & redbud blooms.

Regards,
--Kurt

**Preacha Man** · 02-05-2009, 17:08

I have hung the OHT before, I was supposed to do it when the ice storm hit. Be careful hanging from red oak trees, as there is a red oak beetle that is eating them up. Just choose your site and trees well, and if there is not a fire ring already, try not to make one. Usually there is an established camp at every creek crossing. Have fun and stay safe.

Dwight

**Shug** · 02-05-2009, 17:35

Kurt is hard core ... he don't do no fires ........

**Preacha Man** · 02-05-2009, 21:10

I just read Here that the Ozark Highlands Trail is closed because off all the ice damage. Hope this doesn't hinder you plans too much.

Dwight

**kwpapke** · 02-06-2009, 12:42

Originally Posted by Preacha Man

I just read Here that the Ozark Highlands Trail is closed because off all the ice damage. Hope this doesn't hinder you plans too much.

Thanks for that link, that's not one I had bookmarked. Looks very useful. I will take my follow-up questions there so as not to clutter up the HF.

It may very well change my plans. I'm considering shifting to the Ouachita Trail which was undamaged in the ice storm. Maybe save the OHT for a future trip.

Thanks!
--Kurt

**UncleMJM** · 02-06-2009, 13:10

Any ideas on what the storm has done to the White Rock Mountain cabin area? I had planned to take my youth group to base there and day hike some of the OHT during our spring break in March.

**Preacha Man** · 02-06-2009, 18:41

I have not heard about the cabin areas, but the OHT is closed for now, but I do not know about the Shores Lake Trail that runs by the cabins. You can call Paula at White Rock Mountain to make for sure. Here is the link to her contact information. I hope that this helps.

Dwight

**Coldspring** · 02-06-2009, 19:32

I've understood that parts of the OHT haven't been maintained very well, so it will be surprising if it's all cleaned up before April. Have you considered the 225 mile Ozark Trail in Missouri? The hills aren't as big, some things aren't as pretty, some things are prettier, but it's still the Ozarks.

**kwpapke** · 02-06-2009, 21:31

Originally Posted by Coldspring

I've understood that parts of the OHT haven't been maintained very well, so it will be surprising if it's all cleaned up before April. Have you considered the 225 mile Ozark Trail in Missouri? The hills aren't as big, some things aren't as pretty, some things are prettier, but it's still the Ozarks.

I am scratching my head wondering if I want to drive all the way down to the Ouachitas, or maybe shave off some miles and do an OT section. The AHS had a blurb on the Bell Mountain wilderness area, and I believe that the OT sections in that area have a shuttle.

Are you aware of the trail conditions on the Ozark Trail, i.e. what's the scoop on ice storm damage? I haven't found a forum where the trail is discussed.

Thanks!

--Kurt