December 22, 2019 in Outings

New Year’s Hike

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Date: Jan 1 2020
Type: Day hike
Location: Lower Buffalo River Wilderness
Description: Cook Hollow Trail to the spur up to Turkey Mountain (aka Stair Bluff) and then back to the trailhead — Lower Buffalo
Wilderness located just to the south of Buffalo City.

Hike Leaders: Gordon King and Roy Stovall.

Distance of hike: approximately 6 miles.

Difficulty of hike: moderately difficult to difficult due to some significant uphill stretches and approximately 6 creek crossings.

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM

Meeting place: Cook Hollow trail head located 14 miles south of Cotter, Arkansas. Take US 62/412 to Highway 101 located halfway between Cotter and Flippin (Animal Clinic of the Ozarks is on the north side of the intersection of Hwy. 62/412 and Hwy. 101). Turn south on highway 101. Continue on 101 across Crooked Creek, and turn left to stay on 101 where Hwy. 101 intersects Rea Valley road. The pavement ends at what is known as Hand Valley, and the road then becomes CR 662. Follow 662 uphill and be looking on your left for a parking lot/trailhead located behind some trees on your left. Trailhead parking is GPS 36◦09’33.5”N 92◦28’11.6”W or 36.159314 -92.469897.

Plan: The hike will start at the Cook Hollow trail head. The group will follow the trail to Cook Creek. The trail then turns to the east and meanders back and forth across Cook Creek to the spur trail up to Stair Bluff. It is about 1/2 mile to Stair Bluff with an elevation gain of about 466 vertical feet. The view from Stair Bluff of the White River, Buffalo City, and the surrounding area is one of the most scenic in all of Arkansas. It is common to spot eagles and other raptors in flight from the vantage point of the bluff top where the group will rest and have a bite to eat before descending to Cook Hollow and following the trail back to the trail head.

Questions: Please feel free to contact Roy Stovall via email at: roy.stovall@suddenlink.net

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