Hemmed In Hollow

A hot June day is not the time to take your first spring hike in the Arkansas Ozarks, but apparently I'm too stupid to know that. It was 94 degrees when I got going down the hill to the falls. I saw a few citters along the way, chipmunks, salamanders and snakes. The trail was easy, on the way down; I felt pretty good and wasn't out of breath to speak of. I met hikers from Poland, Switzerland, Texas and Arkansas. Lots of people hiked the 5 mile round trip from the Compton trailhead to get to the valley. I would advise coming in from the Buffalo River on a float trip; A short hike with fairly flat terrain, as an alternative to the steep decent from the top. It you aren't in pretty good shape and well hydrated I don't advise the hike this time of year. I drank all the water I brought, 2 quarts, and it really wasn't enough for the trip. I felt light headed on the way back up. I stopped at least 10 times to catch my breath and check my pulse, it was 146 at the highest, but I could feel the pounding in my ears, so I figured it was high enough. The falls are still flowing, but the early spring or just after a heavy rain fall would be a better time to view it. The water felt awesome on the last shot, I got soaked! The woods as always are beautiful and alive, just don't forget the bug spray. Happy hiking!