My friends, these are strange times – troubling times. COVID-19 has officially set up shop in The Natural State. It will eventually grow tired of us, but it’s unlikely to go quietly or soon. Opinions, some of them informed and some of them, well, not, vary on the best way to wait out the Corona Virus, but this article is not about that. It’s about ways to recreate responsibly during this pandemic.

There are those who maintain no outdoors recreation is appropriate under the circumstances. I personally believe that’s a bit much. BUT, if we are to pursue outdoor adventure right now we must do so in a socially responsible manner. Sadly, this is often not how things are going down. Communities around the Buffalo River, particularly the upper river, are especially ill-equipped to face a widespread health crisis. The entire area is epidemiologically, ecologically and economically vulnerable, but daily, hordes of visitors descend upon Newton County to visit the Boxley Valley, Ponca, Lost Valley and other area attractions.

Petit Jean, Lake Catherine and other state parks have also been overwhelmed by folks dodging cabin fever. Fellow adventurers, please don’t do this. Social distancing is not something that’s only important indoors. Adventuring in Arkansas must be approached with the same care. So, how? I’m glad you asked! Following are some suggestions for socially responsible outdoor adventure.

Don’t go where everyone else is. There are thousands of places around The Natural State to find top notch outdoor adventure. Pick one that doesn’t put you in close proximity to lots of people. Where? You can’t let me have all the fun! I promise, there are many such places available for public use every day of the year (Hint – Lost Valley is not one of them). Let the young adventurers help with the search. And, if you reach your destination to find the trailhead, launch or parking lot full go somewhere else.

Don’t go in large groups. Intimate adventures are great, and smaller group = smaller risk. It’s science! (I think.)

Avoid campgrounds. If you’ve ever considered overnight backpacking or dispersed camping now is an excellent time to give it a shot. Just remember to plan for proper human waste management and hygiene since there won’t be public restrooms.

Before you go, consider your social footprint. Plan ahead to minimize the number of stops necessary along the way. Fill up before you leave town and take plenty of food. This is especially important with regard to outdoor adventure because so many of the places we love are remote. As such area communities are potentially subject to increased adverse impacts from things like COVID-19. Please take every possible precaution to limit their exposure.

We talk a lot at The Gram about adventuring outdoors responsibly. Usually we’re thinking in terms of minimizing our impact on the outdoors, and of course we always want to be vigilant when it comes to that. However, caring for our fellow adventurers is even more important, and socially responsible adventure in a time like this is a critical part of that. Please practice it, and I will…

See you out there (hopefully from a distance of at least six feet)!

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