Ozark Society gives award to epic hikers

The Ozark Society has established the Sassafras Hiking Award to anyone who hikes the entire lengths of the following trails:

• Ouachita Trail (Talimena State Park to Pinnacle Mountain State Park)

• Ozark Highlands Trail (Lake Fort Smith State Park to Woolum and Spring Creek to Matney Knob)

• Buffalo River Trail (Boxley to Pruitt and Woolum to Dillard’s Ferry)

• Ozark Trail (Western Trailhead of Eleven Point Section to Onondaga Trailhead)

Completion of all trails are to be accomplished as through hikes or section hikes. The hikes can be conducted on different trails at different times, and in any direction. Previously completed hikes qualify for the award.

Once hikers complete all four trails, they may contact the Ozark Society to complete a registry form and submit $10 to cover the cost of shipping the award. The Sassafras Hiking Award is an original design created by Little Rock ceramic artist Katherine Purcell. Each individual award has its own distinctive sequential number. The Ozark Society will maintain a numerical registry of all Sassafras Hiking Award recipients on its website.

Sassafras Hiking Award recipients are not required to be Ozark Society members, but Ozark Society membership is appreciated. By accepting this award, all registrants agree, if asked, to be interviewed about their adventures hiking the four trails. Interviews may be included in Ozark Society publications or on its website.

Direct questions concerning the Sassafras Hiking Award to Stewart Noland, award administrator, at stewartnoland51@aol.com.

(Courtesy photo) The Sassafras Award, sponsored by the Ozark Society, recognizes hikers who have hiked the entire length of four long-distance trails.