S.W. 3 to 10

Caney Creek Trail, Caney Creek Wilderness, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 9.6 miles one way • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Camping, Dogs, and Horses

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

• Contact: Mena Ranger District Phone 479-394-2382

This is one of the best trails in Arkansas. Most of it runs along picturesque Caney Creek, and crosses the Caney Creek Wilderness Area from end to end. The only drawback to this trail is that it fords the creek many times, and crosses the Cossatot River on the west end (much larger than Caney Creek)-it’s a great trail to hike in the summer, when you don’t mind getting your feet wet!

Athens-Big Fork Tail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 9.1 one way • Rating: Moderate to Difficult • Allowed: Camping and Dogs

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

• Contact: Caddo Ranger District Phone 870-356-4186

This is one of the most unique trails in the state. It was built over a hundred years ago as a mail route between the communities of Athens and Big Fork. It is a steep, tough trail, but if you can make it, the trip is worth it for the views alone-especially during leaf-off, when it’s hard to keep your eyes on the trail!

Hole in the Ground Mountain Trail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 7.3 round trip • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Camping and Dogs

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

• Contact: Cold Springs Ranger District Phone 479-675-3233

This trail is a bit of a sleeper-not too many folks know about or hike it. The first section of the trail looks down into a remarkable horseshoe bend in Jack Creek, and later on there are some terrific views out across the mountains. The first section of this trail gets pretty steep, but does level off on top of the ridge after a while. This is a good trail to use to access the Dry Creek Wilderness nearby if you’re looking for a longer hike into the area.

Brushy Creek Loop, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 6.9 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Camping and Dogs

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

• Contact: Oden Ranger District Phone 870-326-4322

There are several trails in the area of Big Brushy Campground in the Ouachita National Forest, which is located on Hwy. 270 between Y-City and Mt. Ida. One of them, the Brushy Trail, connects with a portion of the Ouachita Trail and makes a nice loop. The trail begins at the very back of the campground there, and is blazed with white paint. And with the exception of one long, steep grade, it’s a real easy trail to hike.

Tall Peak Trail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 6.4 round trip • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Camping and dogs

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

• Contact: Mena Ranger District Phone 479-394-2382

This trail does just exactly what you think it does-it climbs up to the tallest peak in the area, which is 2330 feet tall, and is called Tall Peak. But it also runs along a wonderful little stream, crossing it four times.

Winding Stairs Trail, Albert Pike Recreation Area, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 5.25 miles one way • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Camping and dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Caddo Ranger District, 912 Smokey Bear Lane, Glenwood, AR 71943

• Contact: www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ouachita or Phone 870-356-4186

This trail follows the Little Missouri River and allows access to an area known for its scenic beauty, popular swimming holes and challenging fishing opportunities. There are cascading waterfalls, abundant wildflowers and impressive spring and fall colors which contribute to the popularity of this trail. The trail provides several spectacular overlooks of the river. The most scenic spot on the trail is where Raven Branch flows into the river. There are large novaculite outcroppings overlooking the river which make this a popular spot for photographers. This trail is popular with both day and overnight hikers. This trail, combined with the Little Missouri Trail, provides about 16 miles of trail along the Little Missouri River.

Buckeye Mountain Trail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 4.6 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed:

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

• Contact: www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ouachita or Phone 479-394-2382, Mena Ranger District, 1603 Hwy. 71 North, Mena, AR 71953

The Buckeye Mountain Trail is a short spur trail which connects with the Caney Creek Trail at its midpoint. It is primarily a ridgetop trail through the Caney Creek Wilderness area which offers magnificent views into the Caney Creek watershed. The Buckeye Trail, combined with the Caney Creek Trail, can provide a good day-long loop hike or a versatile overnight hike.

Hunts Loop, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 4.3 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: Camping and Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst, Mena Ranger District, 1603 Hwy. 71 North, Mena, AR 71953

• Contact: Jessieville Ranger District Phone 501-984-5313

This nice loop trail begins at the Iron Springs Recreation Area, climbs up Short Mountain, then connects with the Ouachita Trail and loops back around to the beginning. It’s got some great views, visits stand of big trees, and passes by some neat streamside areas.

Charlton Trail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 4.2 miles one way • Rating: Easy to Moderate • Allowed: Camping, Dogs and Bicycles

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst, Mena Ranger District, 1603 Hwy. 71 North, Mena, AR 71953

• Contact: Womble Ranger District Phone 870-867-2101

There are a couple of pretty good climbs, nice views, and a spring half way. It begins at Charlton Recreation Area on Hwy. 270 between Hot Springs and Mt. Ida. There is a swimming lake there, campground and picnic area, but it is closed during the winter, which will add some to your hike.

Lake Sylvia Loop, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 4.1 • Rating: Easy • Allowed: Dogs, camping in campground

• Map and Trail description available: Arkansas Hiking Trails guidebook by Tim Ernst, Mena Ranger District, 1603 Hwy. 71 North, Mena, AR 71953

• Contact: Winona Ranger District Phone 501-889-5176

This trail, west of Little Rock, connects with a part of the Ouachita Trail and an interpretive trail, overlooks a spectacular rock canyon area, and loop back along the shores of Lake Sylvia to the trailhead. It is located in the Ouachita National Forest. It’s great for dayhiking.

Sugar Creek Trail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 3.5 • Rating: Difficult • Allowed:

• Map and Trail description available: none

• Contact: Cold Springs Ranger District Phone 479-675-3233

The trail connecting Knoppers Ford Recreation Area to Jack Creek Recreation Area covers challenging terrain offering excellent views of the Sugar, Middly and Jack Creek drainages and surrounding countryside. A short day hike on the trail allows visitors to view abundant wildlife, interesting geological formations and pine/hardwood forests.

Shady Lake Trail, Mena Ranger District, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 3.1 • Rating: Easy • Allowed:

• Map and Trail description available: None

• Contact: Mena Ranger District Phone 479-394-2382

The CCC developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. It continues along the opposite side of the lake up West Saline Creek. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail.

 Sunset Loop, Hot Springs National park

• Miles: 8.0 • Rating: Moderate • Allowed: No Dogs

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

• Contact: Hot Springs National Park Phone 501-624-3383

This ridgetop trail in Hot Springs National Park overlooks the city of Hot Springs. There are lots of great views as the trail goes along the crest of West, Music and Sugarloaf mountains, big trees, and even some geological formations. There are actually a lot trails that wind around the hills of Hot Springs. This is one of the best! And when you get done, you can go get a massage and soak your tired feet!

Southwest Arkansas Trails-3 to 10 Miles