Ozark Highland Trail- Hiking Mis-Adventure Oct 1-5, 2014

[Skygzr]

Sometimes things just don't go as planned

http://mustexplore.blogspot.com/2014...and-trail.html

[Gravity]

Great report, thanks!

[Sporto]

I have hiked this trail many times, going back to the early 1990's. I avoid the trail until late October at the absolute earliest and would not go much past May 1st. The Ouachita Trail has even less traffic and scant water. Did you read Tim Ernst book on the OHT? http://www.timernst.com/Products/OHT.html He highly discourages travel before mid to late October for many of the reason's you cite. I am sorry that you had such a bad experience, if you go back later this autumn or winter your experience will likely be vastly different. I plan to make the trip down for Ft Smith to Whiterock Mtn in a couple of weeks. All the best on your next trip!

[hawghangar]

I have hiked this trail many times, going back to the early 1990's. I avoid the trail until late October at the absolute earliest and would not go much past May 1st. The Ouachita Trail has even less traffic and scant water. Did you read Tim Ernst book on the OHT? http://www.timernst.com/Products/OHT.html He highly discourages travel before mid to late October for many of the reason's you cite. I am sorry that you had such a bad experience, if you go back later this autumn or winter your experience will likely be vastly different. I plan to make the trip down for Ft Smith to Whiterock Mtn in a couple of weeks. All the best on your next trip!

+1 on this...

[Skygzr]

short video of the trip

[Snopes]

Man, what a bummer. I have hiked two sections of the OHT in the past year, but not the section you guys were on. The sections I went on were in great condition. It seems like different sections of the trail have different levels of upkeep. Thanks for the heads-up. I am heading down there next month and will definitely pick a section of trail further to the east.