The Sentinel-Record - HER - Hot Springs
Charlton Trail
Throughout
the winter months, it’s not uncommon to become afflicted with cabin fever. Sure, there’s plenty to keep one occupied in the outdoors, but many hole up in their homes during cold and dreary days, and rightfully so. And even those willing to bundle up and brave the elements long for the return of warmer weather.
Fortunately, the brunt of winter is behind us. We can certainly expect more frigid days, but one would suspect there will also be a few warm and sunny afternoons too. When blessed with unseasonably comfortable days, people will eagerly leave the refuge of their homes and disperse into our forests. This is a great time to experience a journey through the Ouachitas via mountain bike. The key is choosing a location where one can complete their ride before late-evening hours bring with them colder temperatures.
There are several mountain biking routes throughout our neck of the woods, all of which are worthy of mention. However, I can’t think of a better ride during latter months of winter than the Charlton Trail. Beginning at the Charlton Recreation area, the route provides riders of all skill levels with an exciting 4.3-mile ride prior to ending at the Crystal Springs Recreation Area. Those longing for a shorter trip can access the route at about the halfway point via forest road. And there’s only one creek crossing throughout the entire journey.
Beginning beside the Charlton swimming area, the trail heads into the woods and immediately gets down to business, providing riders with the most technical and challenging section throughout the entire route.
The path makes several switchbacks while heading steeply up the hill. One would think that the switchbacks lend to an easier ride, and that they do. Running alongside the mountain, however, the narrow path makes its way over several boulders, and roots. This is a section that only the skilled can navigate from the seat of their bike. Although I suggest riding as far as one’s abilities allow, the remainder of us will simply have to get off and push our bikes until reaching the mountaintop.
Once reaching the ridge-line, the ride becomes less technical. The remainder of the journey can easily be navigated by moderately skilled riders.
Even the novice can expect to experience a majority of the remainder of the journey from a riding position.
The trail makes its way along the top of the ridgeline for a short distance, prior to heading down the opposing side of the hill. Although the decent is not overly steep, it lends to a fairly fastpaced and exciting ride.
Although the trail is well-marked, it is covered with leaves during the winter months. It’s not hard to find the path during any season, but small boulders and roots lurk beneath the heavy leaf cover. The trail sees more use as the daytime highs continue to climb. In turn the path grows easier to follow.
The route eventually heads down the hill at a little steeper pace, and makes its way through an area that was left in shambles after a tornado rolled through the area a few years ago. Although it’s somewhat disturbing to see the forest in this condition, the remnants of the storm provide an optimal habitat for many plants and various species of native wildlife to thrive.
After meandering within sight of the devastation, the path makes it’s way over a small knoll and crosses Forest Road 47. Those who begin the ride with uncertainties of their skills or stamina, might consider parking a vehicle at this point.
Riders wishing to push forward still have 1.9 miles of trail ahead of them. After crossing the road, the route makes its way through a small creek. This will be the only wet crossing during the entire excursion, and can be traversed without getting drenched.
From the creek, the trail begins a slight ascent, and with distance the climb grows more intense. And it’s a long climb. Fortunately, there are intermittent level spots along this section, allotting the opportunity to occasionally catch one’s breath.
Just before reaching a ridgeline, the ascent grows even steeper. Once reaching the mountaintop, the path leads the rider through a hilly area, but nothing comparable to what has already experienced. Meandering alongside a steep drainage area, the trail heads downhill and pretty well continues a pleasant ride until ending at the Crystal Springs Recreation Area pavilion.
Although there are definitely longer rides throughout the Ouachitas, I can’t think of any destination that is better suited for the warm afternoons that we occasionally experience during the latter winter months. It’s a perfect place where one can rid themselves of that ole’ cabin fever that plagues us every year just before spring.