I hiked at the Buffalo National River today. Ask me anything.

It was the first site to be given National Scenic River status and it has some nice hiking trails.

What's it like?

In the Ozark Mountains.
Near the thriving metropolis of Marshall, AR.

how long you staying?

out of state next week. I'm not sure though. Right now I live in Little Rock.

a hilly wooded area. The part of the river I saw was kind of shallow and slow but parts of it have rapids. One part of the hike was less traveled and I hit a spiderweb every 10 feet. It had some great views, cliffs, everything you would expect in the Ozark mountains, which are more like big green hills. A very nice hike. I always feel better after a good hike.

I had forgotten about it...I used to canoe the Current and Eleven Point in college. Water so blue your eyes would ache...

Are you a native?

working in Little Rock for the election year in a swing state.

times. Next time try Spring river in Hardy go the Mammoth Springs Mo. and come down river. It's so clear you won't believe it.

Next time I want to spend time on the water instead of just hiking. This was my first time in the Ozarks, except for driving through a few times.

I love a good hike myself, in the 6-8 mile range. Any caves in that area? Someone mentioned very blue water, which is a hallmark of limestone - and caves.

If you're ever in middle TN, I can point you to some very nice hiking country, much of it so isolated you can hike all day without seeing another soul.

Oh, and holding a light stick in front of you can cut those cobwebs before they get your face. Cobwebs are always a great sign to me - no people!

I didn't get there until 1pm since the drive is 2 hours and I don't like mornings. So, I had to do a short one. There are caves in the region, but I don't know how close they are to the river.

I used to live in Knoxville and hiked in the Smoky Mountains twice a month, even in winter. I love that place more than anything. I hiked at Obed once but that was my only time hiking in Middle TN.

Just wonderful. But I rarely get over that way. Virgin Falls, Centennial Wilderness, Savage Gulf and Fiery Gizzard are awesome places to go.

The Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness has 31 miles of looping trails, and since everyone goes to nearby Virgin Falls instead, my friends and I usually have the whole place to ourselves. Great camping, lots of caves, kayaking in the wet season if you're into it (I'm not).

Fall Creek Falls and Camps Gulf are also nearby. World-class caves and scenery, but not secluded enough. Camp's Gulf Cave is almost as busy as a commercial cave these days, and the main park has a lot of traffic.

I always wanted to get into middle TN more. I'll try one of those places the next time I visit.
Are there any good caves you can reccomend?

For a casual cave experience, I'd recommend Lost Creek in White County near Sparta: a 70-foot outdoor waterfall, a gorgeous 60-foot wide cave mouth with mostly walking and one small 6-foot climb leading to a 40-foot underground waterfall. Best to arrange a guide. I go there often, and so do people in my grotto.

Camps Gulf Cave is in the Camps Gulf Addition to Fall Creek Falls state park. Pics of some of the massive rooms at:

http://www.darklightimagery.net/campsgallery.html

This is not a beginner cave unless you have a guide and/or a map. I can think of a dozen nice caves for beginners right off the top of my head, but I don't give out locations over the net. If you're ever out this way, I'd be happy to show you around. Caves are wonderful things. I love sharing them with responsible people.

I did meet a cute Park Ranger while I was there. This seriously cute blond woman at the front desk in the Visitor Center. I like Park Rangers, they are almost always good people. And she was...grrrr She can pitch my tent anytime.

Haven't been there in years...what a wonderful area...need to go back. Can't really think of anything to ask so will just drool with crazed envy.

Are you too far away to go now? That sucks.
This was my first time and I loved it. I probably feel the same way about the Smoky Mountains that you do about the Ozarks, so I can relate.