Backpacking Arkansas : Ponca Wilderness / Goat Trail / Hemmed in Hollow / Buffalo River Trail

With a weekend off, and already out of town, I grabbed my already loaded backpack and headed to the Ponca Wilderness. Starting at the Centerpoint Trailhead , the first day saw many of the areas premier sights. Views of the Buffalo River from the Goat trail, and a 200 ft waterfall at the back end of the Hemmed In Hollow Trail. My trip was just like many others until almost dark.... when the trip really became a night of trying to assist a lost canoer/hiker out to safety. Unable to make it out , we huddled together under one sleeping bag until the sunrise, when we could hike him out to his awaiting family. The events left me both mentally and physically exhausted. I decided to hike out (and even hitchhike)the second day and go back to the hotel to try to get some rest. Ponca Wilderness is a beautiful place.... It can also be a dangerous place.