Backpacking in the Wilderness | Buckeye & Caney Creek Loop in the Ouachita National Forest | 4K

#backpacking #ouachitanationalforest #womanbackpacker
Well, it's not perfect, but after many trials and tribulations, I finally was able to get this video edited! HEVC video formatting is not my friend & still learning how to do this whole KZbin thing lol
In this video, we do a short overnight backpacking trip in the Ouachita National Forest on the Buckeye and Caney Creek Loop in the Caney Creek Wilderness. This trail was INCREDIBLE. Definitely in my top 10 favorite hikes in Arkansas.
More info: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...
We started this trail at the Caney Creek Loop trailhead and hiked up the road about a mile to the Buckeye Trailhead. We wanted to knock out the steep elevation gain first. Looking back, I am so glad we chose to do this section first because it turned out to be a beautiful day and it rained the whole next day!
The first day was filled with beautiful 360 views of the mountain range as we hiked along a ridge at the top of a mountain. The second day we hiked 4.5 miles back to the car in the rain! It was a cold and wet day, but still very pretty and enjoyable. Hope you enjoy!
Follow my adventures on KZbin: kellyhays23...

[@crystalmarie8610]

We are big fans of Arkansas! Our favorites are found inside the Albert pike area, we will be doing the Buckeye trail coming up on our way to doing the AT as well! Good job on your video! Inspiring positivity! The ERL is one of our favs also! It definitely pushes you! I love your statement “be comfortable with the uncomfortable!”

[@richardemerson6996]

Find this video by accident, so glad !! I love Arkansas , feels so free there ! The people are truly one of the best, found any where ! And the land is rough, tough, and wild ! Some of the best scenery and views right here in your vid!!! Thanx!!!!!!

[@johnnydoe66]

That's a great area for a weekend overnighter. I highly recommend the Caney Creek Trail out and back to introduce new backpackers.

[@proconsumersafety]

That was a cool video of your experiences. Yes I agree, so long as you are dressed properly and have proper equipment, hiking in the rain or snow is perfect. Thanks for sharing. Keep safe!

[@cuzhike]

One of my favorite trails. So much scenery for a short hike. It has some of the best mountain views in Arkansas.

[@grevedanko]

The singing and dancing in the tent alone is worth a thumbs up and subscribe. Cracked me up real good. Keep it up!

[@chrislivelymusic]

Great video! I'm headed there next weekend for the first time...

[@hoser7706]

So nice to watch these videos too, with kinda regular fun backpacking not crazy UL Dyneema samefests!! Lol

[@ThomasVMan]

Such beautiful scenery! Thanks for taking us along. 🙂

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks for watching :)

[@robalan57]

Aquamira Pressurized Hydration Reservoirs are great. You could bring one to transport water. The same could be done with dry bag but those pressurized reservoirs can spray water for cleaning things. You can also put a Aquamira Frontier Max water filter on it.

[@OurNationalAdventure]

The sunlight between those trees just before the intersection is beautiful. Great campsite!

[@kellyhays23]

Our National Adventure thanks!

[@ericwindelkin1110]

I love food and I relate to others who plan everything around food. There's no reason to suffer with crap food on a short trip. I also love that trail!

[@kellyhays23]

Eric Windelkin exactly!!! Hahaha

[@southerncharlesfamily6089]

these views are awesome and they look so good in 4k! Great hike!

[@kellyhays23]

Oh thanks so much! They take a little longer to upload, but I’m glad to see someone appreciates the 4k😊

[@denisestarr2314]

My backyard . I love the Ouachitas .

[@ratherbehiking8653]

I just realized that white truck was parked in the same spot at the Buckeye Trailhead when we left. It also rained the morning we walked out. Good chance we were out there at the same time. We actually enjoyed walking in the rain on Sunday morning. Our Jeep was not at the trailhead when you got back so we must have got out just before you. Thanks for sharing!! Good luck on the AT. A lot of us hope you can share your trip with us.

[@kellyhays23]

Oh nice!!! Sounds like we just missed eachother. Glad y’all enjoyed it too, it was a good weekend to hike for sure :) & thank you so much, I will be vlogging the entire journey on here!

[@sdsurfer8152]

From a Marine, every ounce makes a huge difference. We used to do 25 mile humps (hikes) with full gear and when you finish one canteen of water, you can feel that weight lifted. You have the right idea from my standpoint. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is absolutely beautiful too. But being in the military, we got to go on federal property where civilians cannot go. Places people can go out there is beautiful too. During the summer months it is hot durung the day and very cold at night. I like your rainfly for your pack.

[@MegaOllie69]

I’ve hiked a small portion of the AT from New York down to Maryland back in the mid 90s when I was a teenager

[@skipsamples2647]

That was a good test of the new tent. Really like your 'added' comments to the video. Makes you chuckle.

[@kellyhays23]

Hahahah thank you 😁😆

[@jerrodperryman8912]

Your big agnes looks great!! Awesome video!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you!!

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Nice little hike, it’s all about the adventure and just getting out doors. 👍👍

[@kellyhays23]

Yes!!

[@weeksventure]

Thanks for the video! I’m adding this hike to the list!

[@kellyhays23]

👏🏼👏🏼

[@InventorGadget]

Nice hike! Clearly peanut butter goes with anything, even straight on the apple 😋

[@wolfbisbing486]

Great video Kelly. Can’t wait to see your AT adventure. I’ve hiked a couple small parts of it where I live in Pennsylvania. I’ve also camped in a few spots. You’ll love it and dislike it in some spots lol. Very rocky and hard on the feet. I’d love to hike the entire trail one day myself. Anyway thanks for the video and keep up the great work.

[@kellyhays23]

Ron Bisbing thanks so much Ron! Really appreciate your support!

[@wolfbisbing486]

@@kellyhays23 no problem. You make it easy with your positive attitude. I love it.

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Looked like a really great hike. I have the Zpacks duplex which I love for the weight and ease of set up and the spaciousness. But I do have to admit one thing I really miss about a single wall tent is the option to keep the fly off when clear to view the night sky and to have great air flow. Another great vlog glad you had fun and I think you're ready to go for your AT Trek Nobo!

[@kellyhays23]

Yes sleeping with the rain fly off is one of my favorite things to do! & thank you so much for watching!

[@banjojoeanddanielle]

Congrats on the new tent. Danielle likes the lights!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you!!! I got the lights on amazon for like $6! Great purchase!

[@schadowolf]

Nice Hike!

[@jordanclifton8196]

have fun and go wild

[@ratherbehiking8653]

Took my lady out for her first backpacking trip on that loop just a couple of weeks ago. It was a perfect trip. Great loop for a shortish overnight.

[@kellyhays23]

Yes for sure!

[@CRFD303]

Great video! Felt like I was hiking with you guys. What you said was correct, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you!!!

[@40-DAYS]

GOOD TO SEE YOU PREPPING... I HAVE TO GIVE YOU A HEADS UP... GET A TENT WITH A "TUB" LINER... IT'S GOING TO RAIN UP THERE... AND IT IS GOING RAIN HARD...

[@will4881]

Its kinda chilling in AR now. Gotta say that yall handle the coldness much better than I do lol

[@tortoisetrek8318]

Kelly, I've watched a number of your videos now. I have no doubt that you're going to do fine on the AT. First of all you don't get freaked out over things - stream crossings, snakes, walking sticks on your leg, or hiking in the rain. You make good decisions, like getting off a mountain top in a lightning storm. And even though you're a dietician, and you work in some healthy ingredients into your meals, you also enjoy basic hiker fare like poptarts and ramen. I especially like that you find the joy in all things - from moths to mountain grandeur - basically you find joy in the experiences! As I say on my Instagram (tortoisetrek), "Look for the joy every day." Keep on hiking and keep on smiling!

[@ryansawyer6476]

"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable"

[@robertschillo1952]

Just found your channel. In reading your vlogs I saw your entry where you got poison ivy. I got poison ivy on my AT hike. Got it so bad I had to go to a hospital ER. Got meds and back on trail. Next I got cellulitis. Not sure if caused by poison ivy but suspect. Another hospital visit. This time I had to stay 2 days. Back on trail. Next I got MRSA. Back in hospital. More meds and back on trail. Who knows if all these are a result of poison ivy but all I can say is if you get poison ivy go off trail and take care of it before you go on. The trail is tough enough you don’t need other things. I guess that goes for any injury. Go off trail and take care of it before you go on. Good luck. I will be following your vlog.

[@kellyhays23]

Robert Schillo wow thank you so much for sharing your story!! I would be willing to bet all that stemmed from the poison ivy! I get it so bad it’s like 3rd degree burns on my skin and once it gets like that, it opens the door for bacteria and other problems. Definitely will take your advice! & thank you for watching!!

[@dan393]

I did this trail last year and love it. I call the narrow spine up Buckeye the dragon's back. The narrow jagged spine in places reminds me of that. Loved this trail. Did it in one day but planning on going back soon and do an overnight, Katie falls has great camp sites. You can see the tall peak fire tower from buckeye. That trail is awesome too up to the fire tower. I just finish this past weekend the shores lake white rock loop trail as a 2 day 1 night hike. I believe you would like this trail also if you have not already done it. I'm looking for a lighter tent so keep us posted on how your new one works out on the trail. Happy hiking and god bless

[@kellyhays23]

Dragons back is a great name for that! I’m wondering where Katy falls is? I will have to do that fire tower trail too! Also love shores lake loop, want to do that one sometime this winter too! Thank you so much for watching !

[@kellyhays23]

Def will let you know about the tent!

[@dan393]

@@kellyhays23 Katy falls was so close to where you camped. It is right before you exit off buckeye. You literally passed within a few yards of it before you got to the intersection sign.

[@eleanoreleichtenberg9290]

Hi thank you for sharing! It's hard to find female backpackers on youtube! happy travels :)

[@venturefree.]

Looks like a nice trail to hike haven't been Arkansas yet

[@JimCrossan]

Your tent, it glows ...😀

[@kellyhays23]

Isn’t she a beauty!!

[@JimCrossan]

Lovely..

[@tedsmith9114]

Love the vlog and nice job on a short one night trip. Good choice on your new tent. Did it leak? Keep up the great job!!!

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks so much! And no didn’t leak at all. Completely dry on the inside!

[@bobseaver7807]

👍👍👍👍

[@craigcrowley8216]

A beautiful orange tent, surprised you don't cringe when you say Buckeye.

[@kellyhays23]

Oh I definitely do inside 😂

[@fernandomarquez3131]

Enjoyed the hike with you when is the next one?

[@suwant9440]

I have the same camp Crocs 😂 and even did parts of the PCT in it ❄

[@kellyhays23]

Nice!! Love my crocs😆

[@whystayhome19]

The hamburgers at the store in Athens are legit! The wife loves the pies!

[@kellyhays23]

Bruce Hagins I’ll have to get a burger next time I go in there!!

[@SpontaneousAdventure]

Awesome video🙌🏽. Quick question, where can I buy one of those front door water bottle holder? Thanks

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you! I got mine on Etsy! Get on there and look up JustinUL shop. He makes a few different kinds!

[@davidh9476]

One day you should check out the Sierra Nevada mountains on the California side near Bridgeport, ca

[@AnthonyM12345-z]

Enjoyed beautiful! when are you thinking of doing the AT? Thanks for sharing

[@kellyhays23]

Either 2021 or 2022

[@hoser7706]

What was the best loop Eagle Rock, Sylamore or this one? They look very different

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

I also have this tent and like itnalot so far. Look up the tiger wall the out modifications video....

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks!

[@desktopmonkeyII]

Good video! Did you guys not swing by Katy Falls?

[@kellyhays23]

Mike Schneider I don’t guess so! Where was that?

[@desktopmonkeyII]

@@kellyhays23 you just missed it. Just north of the intersection where you camped, there is a feeder trail off the Buckeye. A few hundred yards up is Katy Falls. Not huge but worth the visit.

[@kellyhays23]

Huh are there campsites overlooking it?

[@desktopmonkeyII]

@@kellyhays23 there is a small campsite that is a bit sloped but nice spot.

[@alkennedy1124]

Your going to bee fined for copyright for miming the song , it is serious 🧐 stuff , you can’t have any music, unless it’s your wrote song and music, other than that KZbin will hit you with copyright © infringement, lol nice thanks BigAl California.