News Release

Buffalo National River completes second day of search for missing hiker

Missing hiker Clinton Preston Smith

News Release Date: October 29, 2022

Contact: Cassie Branstetter, 870-416-9142

Northwest Arkansas – At approximately 9:00 p.m., October 28^th, 2022, Newton County Sherriff’s Office received a report of an overdue hiker. Clinton “Preston” Smith, age 67 from Baton Rouge, LA, was reported missing after failing to return from an October 27^th planned hike on the Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail in Buffalo National River, Newton County, AR.  Mr. Smith was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black shirt.

Newton County Sherriff’s office began the search for Mr. Smith on the evening of October 28^th. Park rangers, Buffalo National River Search and Rescue volunteers and Mennonite Disaster Services continued the search the morning of Oct 29^th. Arkansas Alliance of Bloodhound Search Specialists provided canine search assistance. Rainy conditions at 2:00 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 [phone].