The long and rugged Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the king of the forest trails. Stretching for 236 miles across the length of the Ouachita Mountains, the trail crosses the highest mountains, and wildest landscape, in Middle America. To hike the whole thing takes anywhere from three weeks to a month.

None of the other trails of the Ouachita can compare in length. The other long-distance trails range in the 20- to 30-mile range. At 27 miles, the Eagle Rock Loop Trail is the longest loop trail in Arkansas. Take this route, and over a three-day period you'll cross the Little Missouri River nine times and travel over nine mountains.

If you want to be out for the day, or at most overnight, you have plenty of options. The Horsethief Spring Trail is one of the prettiest trails around, crossing many small springs before looping around on the Ouachita Trail. Lovers of water features will appreciate the Big Brushy Trail Complex. You can piece together a hike anywhere from 3 to 12 miles in length, and take the opportunity to explore streams, waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and quiet woodlands.

If you're in for a workout, take a crack at the Athens-Big Fork Trail. This spectacular trail goes against the grain, crossing across the ridgelines, and offering spectacular views as well as, at one point, the opportunity to explore a mystical cave.

If strenuous ain't your bag, the forest has several wonderful short trails, some of them paved and wheelchair accessible. The Lake Sylvia Trails even offer braille signs for the vision impaired. If you like lakes, the Cedar Lake and Old Pine Trails circle a nice one. At just a little over four miles, Hunt's Loop makes a nice day hike that may be short on miles but is long on views.

But hey, don't let us tell you what to do. There are many more trails, all worthy of the hiker's consideration. Let's get started....

Move on to Trail Finder: Ouachita National Forest

Move on to Ouachita National Forest Index

Return to Top

RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Arkansas Resources
GORPtravel Adventure Vacations