At approximately 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, Newton County Sherriff’s Office received a report of an overdue hiker. Clinton Preston Smith, 67, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was reported missing after failing to return from an Oct. 27 planned hike on the Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail in Buffalo National River. Smith was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black shirt.
Newton County Sherriff’s Office began the search for Mr. Smith Friday evening. Park rangers, Buffalo National River Search and Rescue volunteers and Mennonite Disaster Services continued the search Saturday morning. Arkansas Alliance of Bloodhound Search Specialists provided canine search assistance. Rainy conditions at 2 p.m. caused the search to be temporarily postponed. No further volunteers are needed for the search at this time.
If you have seen Mr. Smith, or have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Buffalo National River’s emergency dispatch personnel at 888-692-1162.
Park rangers urge hikers to be aware of hazards and be physically prepared for all attempted hiking trips. The Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail is steep and rugged. Hiking information can be obtained on the park's website at https://www.nps.gov/buff/planyourvisit/index.htm, or by contacting a park ranger at (870) 439-2502.
