R.V. 3 to 10

River Valley Trails-3 to 10 Miles

Cove Lake Loop, Ozark National Forest

• Miles: 3.5 • Rating: Easy to Moderate • Allowed: Bicycles and Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst

• Contact: Magazine Ranger District Phone 501-963-3076

Here is an easy loop trail that circles Cove Lake, and makes for a great afternoon stroll. There is pretty good fishing along the way too! Stop and fish anywhere you like.

Bona Dea Trails System, Corps of Engineers

• Miles: 3.5 miles outside loop • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst or Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families by Pam Ernst

• Contact: Lake Dardanelle Phone 501-968-5008

This is one of Arkansas’ most unique trail systems. It’s a fitness trail. It’s a jogging trail. It’s a nature trail. It’s a hiking trail. It’s a wildlife watching trail. It’s barrier free. And it’s all within the city limits of Russellville. The park covers 186 acres of wetland and low woods, which provide one of the most productive ecosystems found anywhere.

Mount Magazine Hiking Trail, Mount Magazine State Park

• Miles: 6.5 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst

• Contact: mountmagazine@arkansas.com or Phone 479-963-8502

Signal Hill and the Greenfield and East End picnic areas are near the summit of this plateau-like mountain. From Cameron Bluff, the trail winds down the mountain to a broad bench where virgin oaks, gum and ash are found. This trail is listed in both the day and overnight hiking sections due to the versatility offered by the variety of access points, distances and terrain. This is truly a unique mountain setting offering some of the most expansive views in Arkansas.

Seven Hollows Loop, Petit Jean State Park

• Miles: 4.2 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst

• Contact: Petit Jean State Park Phone 501-727-5441

It’s got tons of bluffs, boulders, wildflowers and waterfalls. This is a special scenic spot nearly every step of the way! The bluffs there are made out of Hartshorne Sandstone. This rock contains hard iron deposits which have ’caused it to weather at varying rates and created a wide variety of colors and patterns on the rock faces. A parking fee may be required-check with the office.

Bench Trail, Mount Nebo State Park

• Miles: 4.0 • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Mountain bikes, dogs, camping

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst

• Contact: mountnebo@arkansas.com or Phone 479-229-3655

The Bench Trail begins at the overlook shelter approached as you drive up the mountain to the park. There is a narrow shelf called a bench that encircles the entire mountain. In the early 1900s, this bench was a road; now it is a trail through a woodland that teems with large trees and wildlife. Fern lake, remnants of historic springs, and steps that are a part of this early resort development are still visible. The trail is level in most places and sports fantastic mountain scenery, especially during seasons of “leaf-off.”

Rim Loop Trail, Mt. Nebo State Park

• Miles: 3.4 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst

• Contact: Mt. Nebo State Park Phone 479-229-3655

Rim Trail Loop-3.4 miles total. This trail circles the mountain on top of, and sometimes at the base of, the bluff that runs the entire way.