Spring a great time to revisit Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinelrecord. Today, Deary takes readers along a journey to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail from The Watchable Wildlife Trail to Thompkins Bend.
It hit me during a recent hike along a section of the Ouachita Vista Trail that the spring season is literally only weeks away, and with the change of seasons, folks will be growing more and more anxious to get out and experience mother nature.
Although I have walked the entire trail and covered several sections of the designated route in previous articles, years have since elapsed.
That in mind, why not cover the trail in its entirety, with a consecutive series of articles? The trail winds through the Ouachitas for just under 40 miles through the national forest and often paralleling the shoreline of Lake Ouachita.
The trail is well maintained and lends to beautiful scenes aplenty along the way. In fact, don’t be surprised if I feel compelled to brag, from time to time, on the folks who maintain the route. Many hours were spent building footbridges, and they obviously spend their fair share of time keeping the designated path clear of fallen trees and other debris. In turn, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to credit them for their hard work and dedication.
Of course, one can expect a few strenuous climbs and steep descents along the way along any route that meanders that far through the Ouachita Mountain region. But there are also many miles of designated path that runs relatively level, as well.
The trail system is plenty long for a two- or three-day backpacking excursion. However, there are also more than enough access points along the way that one can simply embark upon a short early-morning or late-afternoon hike and be back home in time for lunch or dinner.
The trail welcomes both hikers and mountain biking enthusiasts. And I will be quick to suggest that it is designed in a manner that both groups will find the route enjoyable.
OK, we’ll begin our excursion at the Watchable Wildlife Trail, the westernmost terminus of the route, and head in an eastward direction. Our first jaunt of the series will lead us along a 5-mile route that will end at the Thompkins Bend Campground Trailhead.
Those who are not absolutely sure that they want to tackle 5 miles during their initial outing along the trail are in luck, as there are actually three options along the way.
One can simply take in the 1.25-mile loop along the Watchable Wildlife Trail for a starter. This particular route is paved and handicapped accessible. Restrooms are also located at the parking area.
The route makes its way along the edge of a large field, heads through a low-lying wooded area and along a beautiful boardwalk skirting a large pocket of the lake.
That being said, recent rains have swelled the lake to a point that the boardwalk was underwater as of last weekend. However, the water level is soon to subside to a level that the trail can be enjoyed in its entirety.
The next access point, Homestead Trailhead, is located about 3 miles down the trail, lending to yet another opportunity to shorten the walk.
Those who choose to end, or begin, their excursion at this particular access point might consider following the trail across the road and checking out the remains of an old homestead.
The trail will also continue 0.25 miles beyond the homestead and tie back into the section of the main trail that we will be covering in next week’s article.
Let’s back up and begin our 5-mile walk at the Watchable Wildlife Trailhead, striking out along the paved path running alongside the road. We will veer right at the boardwalk and follow the route as it eventually crosses the road and heads into the woods.
The path heads up a hill, rather steeply, and veers to the left, immediately after entering the woods. But hang in there, as the climb is short. In fact, the trail eventually makes its way within sight of the lake and remains somewhat level for a short distance, lending to the opportunity for one to catch their breath prior to the next jaunt over the upcoming knoll.
The route occasionally veers away from the shoreline, as it follows the contour of pockets and drops down into drainages that feed into the lake. Most of these particular descents and climbs are short, many of which are not overly steep.
The trail eventually veers a little farther from the reservoir, however, and makes a steep and long descent into a draw and across a small creek. Of course, what goes up, must come down, and vice-versa. So be prepared for the trail to make a fairly significant climb after crossing the branch.
However, the drainage area is lush and beautiful. In fact, I’d suggest that the scenery in the draw is well worth the effort of making the ascent to atop the opposing hillside.
The trail winds over a few more knolls, and alongside occasional benches where one can stop, take a breather and enjoy views of the distant lake. And although the route eventually meanders out of eyeshot of the reservoir it eventually returns to within sight of the shoreline.
The designated path eventually makes its way to the Homestead Trailhead at 3.0 miles. This is the aforementioned spot where some might choose to end their walk. However, one might also consider beginning their hike at this point and taking in the final 2 miles of the leg leading to the trailhead
where the hike will end.
The trail pretty much remains within sight of the lake for the next mile, lending to views galore especially during the winter and early spring, before the hardwood canopy is carpeted with green, vibrant foliage.
One might also consider embarking upon a short detour along a 0.25-mile spur trail leading to a point overlooking the lake. The trail is relatively level and the view is well worth the extra effort. Let alone the fact that one can take a seat at the bench and rest themselves while taking in the scene.
The beaten path will eventually make its way to a dirt road, where we will turn left and follow for a short distance prior to turning back to the right and into the woods.
The final section of trail will make a short jaunt through an open forest prior to leading into the parking area where our initial walk along the LOVIT will end.
I’m pretty confident that those who embark upon this particular hike will find their efforts rewarding. And I’m hopeful that they’ll anticipate their next opportunity to experience yet another excursion along the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail.
To get to the Watchable Wildlife Trailhead, from Hot Springs, take Highway 270 west, toward Mount Ida, for about 25 miles and turn right onto Shangri-la Road. Travel a short distance and take the first road to the left. The parking area will be on the left.
To get to the Thompkins Bend Recreation Area Trailhead, remain on Shangri-la Road for about 2 miles and the parking area will be located on the left just before entering the recreation area. The Homestead Trailhead will be located on the left hand side of the road between the two aforementioned access points.