BRT: Woolum Ford to Tyler Bend

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail comes right up to the edge of 500+ foot cliff faces which can be dangerous if not careful. Beautiful but dangerous.

Now officially part of the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT), this trail is formally part the Buffalo River Trail (BRT). This section of trail shares the terrain with horses. So it is marked with both white blazes (hikers) and yellow blazes (horses). The two diverge and rejoin at points to keep the horses away from the steep slopes or cliff faces.

Shallow (waste deep) swimming can be had at the ford or at the Richland creek crossing. Be careful around rivers to avoid strong currents. The Richland Valley Elk Conservation Area borders Wollum Ford so don't be surprised to see Elk in this area!

Starting from Woolum Ford, the very first thing is a waist deep crossing of the Richland Creek, then a steep staircase up the bluff to a long switchback up the ridge. The horses rejoin here and the trail can be be difficult the first 3mi or so depending on if the horses tore up the tred while it was muddy recently.

Eventually, the tread shapes up to what you expect and opens up to spectacular views of the Buffalo River valley. The trail tops every bluff along the way which means there is a lot of up-and-downing as it winds through ravines and tributaries. Take note though, these creeks are often dry or only a trickle so, careful water management must be observed.

The payoff is spectacular views from the very edge of the Buffalo's chalk cliffs. And yes, you'll climb up to every one of them along this route.

The last few miles is a road walk on various forest roads until the border of Tyler Bend where the trail turns off and up to the Collier Homestead historical site. To get t Tyler Bend visitor center, you must tun off the OHT/BRT proper here and take the park trail (not included in the GPS track). I suggest the "River View Trail" route (no additional climbing) where one last bluff view allow you to see along the river where you just did the last few hours. Then this trail rejoins the "Return Trail" route to the visitor's center parking lot.

Fall colors on this trail are astounding. Best time is mid to late November. White oak, black gum, sweet gum elms, oaks, black jacks, and beeches among many others.

Elk! Deer, squirrels, birds (notably eagles, hawks, and owls), black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and even wolves are present along the entire trail