This will be a Comprehensive Trail Work Survey (CTWS); the first of several trips to assess each trail on the Preserve for workday scheduling.  

The Bluff-line Loop, including the leg to the Prickly Pear Primitive Campsite will be our focus. Portions of the trail are strenuous due to rocky terrain and there is a 300-foot elevation difference (down and back up); the overall distance is approximately 3.0 - 3.5 miles. However, the scenery is very beautiful and there are some amazing vistas of the Archey Fork; we will also be surveying so we will be moving slowly and methodically.  

Objectives include GPS-ing invasive plant species, hanging deadfall and identifying segments of old barbwire fencing to be removed. None will be removed during this survey; only identified and located for meeting future maintenance objectives. 

Bring water, appropriate clothing for weather, hiking boots (ankle support preferred), second set of socks, rudimentary First-Aid Kit and sack lunch; walking stick if you choose.  

CARPOOLING/CARAVANNING: 

If you would like to carpool/caravan, meet at Robert Fuhler’s house 29 Ridgeview Drive, Conway (correctly located on Google Earth) between 0900 and 0915.  

Please be on time; notify me (Robert Fuhler 501.733.4019) if you will be late; I hate to be a pooty-head, but the departure time of 0915 is concrete as we will be on a schedule.  

If you are in the Clinton area and would like to caravan or carpool, I anticipate being in Clinton at the parking area between McDonalds and the Phillips 66 between 0950 and 1010; look for a Dark Gray 4Runner. 

DIRECTIONS: 

About 6.5 miles north of Clinton on Hwy 65, take County Road 79/Watergate Road (across the Hwy from Botkinburg Foursquare Church – Correctly located on Google). Continue for 3.8 miles (keep right at both intersections) until it ends. You’ll see a sign for Double Drop Falls, the first place to access the trail system inside Bluffton Preserve.