S.W. Over 10

Ouachita Trail, Ouachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina & Pinnacle Mtn. State Parks

• Miles: 222.5 miles one way (first 50 miles are in Oklahoma) • Rating: Easy to Difficult • Allowed: Camping and Dogs

• Map and Trail description available: Ouachita Trail Guide by Tim Ernst

• Contact: Ouachita National Forest Phone 501-321-5202

This is the longest hiking trail in Arkansas. Actually, it begins in Oklahoma, at Talimena State Park, runs across the full length of the Ouachita National Forest, and ends up at Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock. The Ouachita Trail (OT) is a true long-distance backpacking trail. It also has a number of spur and loop trails that join it, plus lots of other access, so it’s great for dayhiking as well. Much of this trail runs along high ridgetops, with great views out across the countryside. But it sees its share of other special scenic spots (SSS) areas too, like wilderness areas, streams, springs and lush hillsides. There is a multitude of geological formations-rock gardens and glaciers, moss-covered boulders, and strange looking outcrops dot the landscape.

Womble Trail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 39.5 one way • Rating: Easy to Moderate • Allowed: Camping and Dogs, heavy bicycle use on most of the trail

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

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

This is the third longest trail in Arkansas. The views are breathtaking, and there are lots and lots of large trees along the way. There are a number of hefty climbs, but for the most part the trail is a pleasure to hike. Most of the trail is in the Ouachita National Forest, so camping is allowed along the route, and there are three short spur trails down to campgrounds on the Ouachita River. Watch out for heavy mountain bike traffic - this has become one of the main bike trails in this part of the United States.

Eagle Rock Loop, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 26.8 • Rating: Easy to Difficult • Allowed: Camping and Dogs, Horses are allowed on the Viles Branch section.

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

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

This is the longest loop hike in Arkansas. It is actually a combination of three trails (the Little Missouri, the Athens-Big Fork, and part of the Viles Branch Horse Trail). It loops through a large chunk of the Ouachita National Forest southwest of Hot Springs. This makes a perfect weekend trail, or even a nice three-day hike.

Little Blakely Loops, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 18.6 miles total • Rating: Easy to Moderate • Allowed: Camping, dogs and bicycles

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

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

There are actually five loops that all connect here, allowing a variety of lengths of hikes. Each loop has its own unique features, from glades, to boulder fields, to giant trees. The entire area is located in the Ouachita National Forest, so camping is allowed.

South and Big Tree Loops-10.2 miles total

Rocky Ridge Loop-2.5 miles total

Glades Loop-1.8 miles total

Morgan Hollow Loop-4.1 total

Little Missouri Trail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 15.7 miles one way • Rating: Easy to Moderate • 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 scenic and easy backpacking trails in Arkansas. It follows the Little Missouri River, which is a National Wild and Scenic River, passes Little Missouri Falls, follows along a historic wagon trail, and goes through the Winding Stairs area, which has perhaps the best swimming hole anywhere! This is an especially good trail to hike during the summer, since the river always has water in it.

Black Fork Mountain Wilderness Trail, Ouachita National Forest

• Miles: 11.6 round trip • Rating: Moderate to Difficult • 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 mountain-top wilderness trail has some incredible views up and down the upper Ouachita River and Big Creek valleys, and the Rich Mountain/Talimena Scenic Drive area across the way. The route of this trail (much of it on old roads) gets pretty steep at times-this is a tough trail-but the rewards are certainly worth it. There is very little water along the route, so be sure to carry plenty. Also, there is a healthy black bear population in the area, so be a good clean camper, don’t leave food in your tent, and be alert! If you are a real strong hiker, you could dayhike this trail. I would recommend that you backpack it, though, and spend the night somewhere near the end of the trail-just take it easy as you go up, and enjoy the views.

Southwest Arkansas Trails-Over 10 Miles