Location: Northeast Arkansas
Strenuous. Daily hikes ~6 miles w/ 1000′-2000′ gain/loss
Front country. Tent camping near cars in a designated campground
Volunteer in the Ponca Wilderness Area to work on trail maintenance on some of the park’s most challenging and popular routes.
Service Project Details
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Explore and volunteer in Buffalo National River, located in the Ozarks. Our volunteer group will hike into the Ponca Wilderness Area to assist with trail maintenance on some of the park’s most challenging and popular routes. Project work will include lopping branches, cutting back vegetation along several miles of established trail, and removing fallen trees that obstruct the trail corridor. In accordance with wilderness regulations, all work within the Ponca Wilderness Area will be completed using hand tools only. Weather and river conditions permitting, the group may also have the opportunity to spend a day on the river conducting a cleanup, removing debris from the river and adjacent gravel bars along America’s First National River.
While not required, a high clearance 4WD vehicle is preferred. There are several gravel roads in the area, although most of the trailheads are accessible from paved roads or maintained gravel roads. Our group will spend the week tent/car camping in a designated campground.
“Thank you for this opportunity. Buffalo National River, like many other parks, has faced significant staffing challenges in recent years, making volunteer support especially valuable. Trail work is also one of the superintendent’s priorities for 2026, and if we are selected to receive a volunteer group, their assistance would help strengthen our trail work plan for the year on some of the park’s most popular trails.”
Project Leaders: Jeff Wright and Amy Schwake
Check out photo galleries from past projects here.
Agency Website
Itinerary:
Sunday, April 19th. The Volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, an orientation, and will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.
Monday, April 20th. Workday.
Tuesday, April 21st. Workday.
Wednesday, April 22nd. Day off.
Thursday, April 23rd. Workday.
Friday, April 24th. Workday.
Saturday, April 25th. Break down camp, goodbyes, and depart.
Nearest Cities
Ponca, AR
Jasper, AR
Nearest Airports
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) – ~80 miles away
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) – ~160 miles away
Free Time Details
Explore the Lost Valley Trail, night sky viewing, hike to Whitaker Point, the most photographed landscape in Arkansas, mountain biking trails (located off of the park), paddle on the river, elk viewing, and many other hiking opportunities.
Accommodations
Front country. Tent camping near cars in a designated campground
Difficulty
Strenuous. Daily hikes ~6 miles w/ 1000'-2000' gain/loss
Task Details
Bending, cutting, hauling, swinging, digging, throwing, pushing, lifting, kneeling, crouching, sloped terrain, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List