Hiker Shuttles In Arkansas and Oklahoma
Updated January 28, 2008
The following are the shuttle services that I am aware of in the Ouachitas and Ozarks. I have used several in the past and was provided others by FoOT (Friends of the Ouachita Trail) and hikers visiting this page. None of us are associated with these parties so any shuttle arrangement it between you and them. You should call ahead of time to make arrangements and discuss the price of your trip, because most are not staffed for drop-in service and the cost of a shuttle may be higher than you are anticipating (they have to cover gas, the actual round-trip road mileage, wear and tear and the cost of the driver).
If you are aware of any other shuttles or find out that someone on the list is no longer providing the service, please email me and I’ll update this list.
Buffalo River Trail
- Lost Valley Canoe, Ponca AR, 870-861-5522. Located on AR 43 in Ponca. http://www.lostvalleycanoe.com/frames.htm
Ozark Highlands Trail
- Moore Outdoors, near Dover and Long Pool AR, 479-331-3606. Located where AR 164 crosses the Big Piney, they also offer canoe and raft rental. http://www.mooreoutdoors.com/
- X Hagerville Store. Though listed in Tim Ernst's brand new OHT Guide #5, the Hagerville Store is no longer providing a shuttle service (January 30, 2008). The store changed hands so if anyone hears that they are doing it again, let me know and I will amend this notice.
- Turner Bend, Ozark AR, 479-667-3641. Located on AR 23 at Mulberry bridge south of Cass AR. http://www.turnerbend.com/oz_high_trail.html
Ouachita Trail – Oklahoma
- Big Cedar RV Park, Big Cedar OK, 918-651-3271. Big Cedar RV is only providing hiker shuttles for their guests. (April 7, 2008)
- X
D&W Store (aka Big Cedar Store) Big Cedar OK, 918-651-3230. D&W store burned down in late 2007.
- Talking Trees Campground, Hodgens OK, (918) 653-2187. Located 2.8 miles west of the junction of US 270 and US 259. http://www.talking-trees.com/default.htm. Talking Trees has a campground, modern cabins and the new Seminole Long House for groups. Showers, spa, massage (24 hour notice) and breakfast with homemade biscuits (YES!) are available for guests.
- Woodswitch Farm, Mena AR, 479-437-3549, mobile 936-825-1441. Located 2.2 miles east the AR/OK border on AR 8 (OK 63). Besides hiker shuttles, Woodswitch boards horses and can help with equestrian shuttles. Ask for Susan. woodswitch@hughes.net
Ouachita Trail – Arkansas
- Jim Fite, Black Fork AR , 479-394-5685. Mr. Fite is the former proprietor of the Rich Mt Store and still provides shuttles. He lives near the US 270 Ouachita/Black Fork Trailhead near OT mile 57.
- X
Rich Mt. Country Store, Mena AR, 479-394-5300. Located near the intersection of Hwy 270 & 272 near OT mile 57. Hwy 272 is the road to Queen Wilhelmina State Park. I received a report from a hiker on April 7, 2008 that the store had changed hands and was not providing shuttles. The former owner still is, see Jim Fite, above. Though no longer providing a shuttle, we had a great post-hike breakfast at the store (a mile from the US270 trailhead). http://hometown.aol.com/rmcountrystore/myhomepage/profile.html
- Story Junction, Story AR, 870-867-3999. Located near the corner of AR 298 and US 27, near OT mile 122.
- Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters, Hot Springs AR, 501-767-1373. Not located near trail but can help in eastern portions near Hot Springs, OT miles 121 – 190. Contact Don Jackson at jackson@direclynx.net.
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