With fall break comes the opportunity to explore all the wonders the Natural State has to offer, but many students are unaware of the incredible options close by.
Big Bluff is three hours northwest of Searcy in the Ozark Mountains. This is a six mile hike with an average completion time of five hours. It is a physically challenging hike with a stunning river view as the end reward. There are no set camping sites, but camping is allowed along the trail. For more information see www.buffaloriver.com/big-bluff-goat-trail/.
Junior Trey Price, who spends most of his free time outside, has camped at Big Bluff on multiple occasions.
“(Big Bluff is) definitely a weekend thing,” Price said. “You don’t want to go for just a day because it’s a 6-mile hike-in, but it’s definitely worth it.”
Steel Creek Campgrounds are three hours northwest of Searcy in Ponca, Ark. Steel Creek is the location for popular access points for multiple trailheads such as Centerpoint Trailhead, Compton Trailhead and Schermerhorn Trailhead. The prices for tent camping range from $15 to $25, depending on location. For more information see www.buffaloriverchamber.com/attraction_steel_creek.
“Some of these places are more than a day trip, and when you have an extra day it gives you time to explore,” Price said. “Some of the most fun times have been the times we’ve been lost.”
While these places sound exciting, the average college student does not own all of the gear needed to make a successful trip. Fortunately, there are options for that as well.
The Honors College gives honors students the opportunity to rent items such as kayaks and tents, free of charge, for up to three days according to Debbie Stewart, the administrative assistant at the Honors College.
“We like for them to use the equipment to get out and have fun and spend time together,” Stewart said. “There’s a lot of fun stuff for them to use, and we would always rather the equipment be used than just sit in the shed.”
The Honors House is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Another rental option is Beyond Boundaries Outdoor and Adventure (BBOA) store in downtown Searcy offers rental options. According to Holly Bohnett, the social media manager for BBOA, they are great for students who do not want to commit to buying expensive equipment. They offer items ranging from headlamps to kayaks. Bohnett said she urges students to take advantage of the short vacation.
“Fall break is a rare time when the weather is still nice and you’re with your friends, not at home for summer vacation, and you have a couple of days to go on fun trips and forget about school work,” Bohnett said.
In order to further encourage students to get “outside and explore Arkansas” BBOA is giving away a free weekend tent rental. To enter, follow @beyondboundariesar on Instagram and send them a direct message with a picture of this article and the code word BisonBBOA. A winner will be announced within the next few days.
