Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
BLAZING TRAILS
Options for taking in nature’s sights by foot, bike or horseback
Get back to nature by hiking, biking or horseback riding on one of the many trails Arkansas has to offer. From dayhiking, backpacking and horse-riding trails to biking trails, outdoor enthusiasts will find these trails an excellent way to experience the beauty of The Natural State.
The list below includes only a small sampling of the trails available in Arkansas.
CANE CREEK STATE PARK
Located where the West Gulf Coastal Plain and the lands of east Arkansas’ Mississippi Delta meet, Cane Creek State Park offers more than 2,000 acres of woodland to explore, as well as a glimpse of Bayou Bartholomew, one of the world’s longest bayous. Hiking, backpacking and mountain-biking trails, as well as a kayak trail, offer plenty of outdoor adventures, including birding and other wildlifeviewing opportunities. The park’s staff offers guided tours, and tandem kayaks and bicycles can be rented at the park’s visitor center. The park’s 15.5-mile multiuse trail goes through rolling terrain, along the lake and across many bridges, including three suspension bridges. There is also a 2.5-mile multiuse trail for shorter adventures. The park’s 2.5-mile kayak trail is a good option for those seeking an aquatic adventure.
DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK
Nestled deep in the Ozark Valley, Devil’s Den State Park is an Arkansas treasure. This state park connects visitors to the picturesque Lee Creek Valley and the Ozark National Forest that surrounds the valley. Trails through this beautiful nature-lover’s paradise range from easy to strenuous, with one of the shortest trails being the Woody Plant Trail. This 0.25-mile self-guided trail takes visitors through the woods surrounding the park’s campgrounds. Possibly the most strenuous trail offered at Devil’s Den is the 15-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail. This trail is one of the few looped backpacking trails in the state. Scenic views, such as Blackburn Creek and Vista Point, are only a couple of the sights to take in along the way. Devil’s Den State Park is also one of the six Arkansas state parks that offer horse trails, with the Butterfield Hiking Trail being one of them. The park offers a horse camp with water and electricity at each site for those interested in having an equestrian adventure.
OZARK GRINDER TRAIL
The Ozark Grinder Trail, which winds through the north-central-Arkansas Ozarks, traverses approximately 200 miles of remote country. This gravel grinder bicycle trail reaches 13,000 feet of elevation on its scenic journey through Gilbert, St. Joe, Tyler Bend at the Buffalo National River and Fairfield Bay. The conditions include creek crossings and steep climbs and descents. The trail provides the course for the 134-mile Ozark Grinder Trail Race, which occurs in September of each year. Cyclists in this challenging race, which runs from Gilbert to Fairfield Bay, climb more than 10,000 feet along the route.
GREERS FERRY LAKE AREA
Created in 1963, Greers Ferry Lake draws thousands of visitors each year who want to relax on the water. With all that beauty, it is only natural that there be a selection of hiking trails that offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a little something more. The 0.5-mile Buckeye National Nature Trail winds along a bluff overlooking the Little Red River. From an overlook shelter, the trail provides excellent views of the Greers Ferry Dam and Lake, in addition to the river valley. This trail was constructed in conjunction with the 1.6-mile Mossy Bluff Trail, which follows a wooded bluff overlooking the Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam. For someone looking to take on a more strenuous adventure, the Sugar Loaf Mountain Nature Trail might be the answer. The 2-mile trail is located on an island in Greers Ferry Lake and also offers spectacular views. The summit, 540 feet above the lake, overlooks the pines and hardwoods growing on the island where the trail is located.
PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN
The many choices of trails offered at Morrilton’s Petit Jean Mountain State Park range in difficulty from easy to strenuous and include a total of more than 20 miles. An easy option is the Bear Cave Trail, which takes visitors through and over large boulders and offers a chance to see the narrow passageways that give the appearance of caves. A moderate option is the Cedar Creek Trail, which winds along a section of Cedar Creek above Cedar Falls. There are a few difficult places, but the 1.25-mile hike is a great experience for those looking to observe beautiful plant and bird life. On the difficult end of the spectrum, try the strenuous Winthrop P. Rockefeller Boy Scout Trail. With 12 miles of ground to cover, hikers will see bits of most of the trails offered at the park because the Scout trail follows portions of each one.
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN
Located just west of Arkansas’ capital city, the more than 2,000 acres surrounding Pinnacle Mountain feature a diverse natural habitat that includes areas ranging from high upland peaks to bottomlands along the Big Maumelle River and the Little Maumelle River. On and around the mountain, visitors will find a variety of trails to take to immerse them in nature. The 1.5-mile West Summit Trail, 1.5-mile East Summit Trail, 2.5-mile Base Trail, 2-mile Rocky Valley Trail and 1-mile East Quarry Trail are the primary options, with each varying in intensity. The park also offers bicyclists more than 8 miles of single-track mountain-bike trails. Choose from the 0.7-mile Rabbit Ridge Mountain Bike Trail or the 7.4-mile Jackfork Mountain Bike Trail.
MOUNT MAGAZINE
Novice hikers and frequenters alike can absorb the state’s splendor on the Bear Hollow Trail in Mount Magazine State Park. Some scenic points of interest on this 2.8-mile trail include the Works Progress Administration steps, Sunrise Rock, Inspiration Point, Bear Head Bluff and Big Shoal Creek. This trail crosses creeks and leads to a couple of waterfalls. A unique factor about this park is that it is home to some of the last remaining virgin hardwood trees in the state. There are more opportunities to hike, drive, bike and even go horseback riding through this park.
MOUNT NEBO
Mount Nebo is arguably one of the most notable landmarks in the River Valley area. The mountain is 1,350 feet tall and has more than 14 miles of trails within Mount Nebo State Park. The magnificent views from both Sunrise Point and Sunset Point are enough to have visitors flocking to the overlooks. The Bench Trail sweeps the entire mountaintop, and even though it is 4 miles long, it is very easy to leisurely walk. There are other trails that go down and around the mountain, too, for those interested in getting more exercise.