National Park Service (NPS) asked us to clear 2 miles of Buffalo River Trail near Boxley Valley, Saturday September 28, 10AM to 1PM, rendezvous South Boxley Trailhead. Celebration of National Public Lands Day. We invited NWAMN chapter to join us. The Buffalo River Trail east terminus is located at Boxley Valley’s south end. The Ponca-Boxley section runs 10.8 miles from Ponca southward along the ridge overlooking Boxley Valley to Smith Creek at the bottom of the valley, a lovely trail through pristine emerald hollows and beech tree stands. The southernmost 1.8 miles is overgrown and needs clearing, and passes through some abandoned pastures.
Plan. We will clear 1.8 miles between Walker Mountain Road and Highway 21 trailhead. Rendezvous at Highway 21 trailhead, shuttle volunteers to Walker Mtn. Road, and volunteers will work their way back to the trailhead, 100’ uphill then level and downhill (458’ vertical). Smith Creek is occasionally a wet crossing. If we have enough volunteers, we may clear 1 mile north down into picturesque Arrington Hollow.
Experience Required – none.
Lunch. Bring a sack lunch and drinks, we will retire to the pavilion at Lost Valley for lunch.
Rain date. Saturday, October 5.
Tools. Bring work gloves, loppers or clippers. You may wish to use our power tools, NCAMN will bring power trimmers & backpack blowers. NPS will bring a heavy duty mower for the pasture.
Directions. GPS 35.9457556, -93.398669 or 35?56’44.72” N 93?23’55.21” W. South Boxley BRT Trailhead is located 7.3 miles south of Ponca. From Ponca, drive south 4.8 miles to crossroads, turn left/south on Highway 21 and drive 2.5 miles over the Buffalo River, past Walker Mountain Road and over Smith Creek to the trailhead on right side of highway.
Questions. Roy Stovall NCAMN cell 87…7360505. Record your hours Trail Maintenance, sponsor National Park Service. You can view trail with pix on Alltrails.com/Buffalo River Trail: Boxley to Ponca.