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Trail Rating:
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This past week, a goup of ladies and I decided to take a trip to Buffalo River Trail Ride. We tried to contact the office several times during the week via telephone, e-mail, and Facebook and were unsuccessful. We did receive a recording on the telephone instructing us that they would be out a few days and return 7/25/2014 because they just finished an organized trail ride. We tried calling the following days, and finally reached Tracey in the office. Bless her heart, she was overwhelemed and explained that they had some damaging rains that left them with a great deal of cleanup and repairs to the campsite.
We decided to go anyway, and Tracey left us instructions on the office door for us when we arrived late Friday night. The next morning, she met us at the office with her bubbly personality and helped us checkin. The office/gift shop was very nice and we all bought a nice shirt.
The campground itself looked a little ragged, as they hadn't been able to mow or cleanup much from the damaging rain. The sites had electric hook up, but no water for human consumption, and didn't have fire pits/grills like most others do. I would suggest bringing your own grill.
We camped by the riverside, which offered a beautiful view. Many of the campers were taking advantage of the river and floating along. It was a little difficult trying to get down the banks, as the access points were only foot paths through tall weeds that other campers had made.
The damaging rains also tookout some bathhouses that were down at the riverside, so we had to drive to the topside to use the bathhouses, which were fairly new and well maintained. However, on Saturday, it was out of water also, so we had to find another bathhouse (trailer) to wash off. Staff was prompt to arrive at 10pm and begin repairs. They were also gracious enough to bring a portable toilet near our barn for campers to use.
The covered horsebarns that are provided are a little older down by the river, but greatly appreciated. The staff was actually making repairs on them while we were there.
The office provides a map of the area, however it wasn't very helpful. We are so very happy to have made friends with a fellow camper who had been there many times, who provided us with a guided tour and personal comedy relief. As the trails were not clearly marked and at some placed overgrown, we heavily relied on the guide. Having someone who knows the area proved to be the best option, as he took us places we never would have found, like an old hunting shed off the river, two water falls, a cave, and several other points of interest.
On Saturday night, as we were going to bed, the rain came down and the water camp up. Sunday morning, the Tracey and her husband came down to check on us personally, and offer us a free night on our next trip as we had gotten rained out. Their personal visit and apology made a lasting impression on our group. They even assisted us in pulling our trailers up the step inclines.
Although they were experiencing personal hardships, they still tried very hard to meet our needs, and we were very appreciative. We look forward to visiting again, and seeing their improvements. |
