Work on the Buffalo River Extension of the Ozark Highlands Trail resumes October 13 and is expected to continue through November 14.  We’ll be operating from Tyler Bend  again and will be filling some gaps in the trail east of that area.

We had a very productive spring session – building about 3.6 miles of trail, which is about 50% more than had previously been done each year.  I think the latest estimate was that about 4.5 miles of tread still need to be cut so perhaps the spring ’15 session will close the final gaps to complete the 41-mile trail from the Wollum Ford to Dillard’s Ferry.

American Hiking Society will have a crew there the week of October 20 and the “Buffalo River Alumni” crew will be there the week of October 27.  There will be other groups in addition to the usual individual volunteers too.  Lot’s of people drop by for a day, a weekend, or sometimes several weeks to help out.  Why don’t you plan on being one of them?!

The Tyler Bend base is in the main campground this time – not the group campground – at approximately 35.987652,-92.760027.  Go past the visitor center and down the hill towards the river, watching for the campground sign on the right.  Look for a gigantic white wall tent – that’s kinda our headquarters and cook tent.  Ken Smith is the man in charge but anyone there will help you get oriented.  We’ll supply tools, and a free camp site.  You bring everything else – food, shelter, water bottles, stove, cooking & eating utensils, work gloves, bug spray, etc.  The campground has potable water, flush toilets, and showers.

If you’ve got any questions I’ll try to answer them and if I can’t, I’ll put you in touch with Ken Smith.  Come, dig, enjoy!

Updated 10-9-14 to reflect the change from South Maumee campground to Tyler Bend group campground.

Updated 10-19-14 to reflect the change from the group campground to the main campground at Tyler Bend.