LOVIT part two: A satisfying sojourn into the woods
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey along the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail from Thompkins Bend to Joplin.
Last week’s article was the beginning of a series of hikes along the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, or LOVIT. We began our walk at the Denby Bay Trailhead, just off Shangri-la Road. The excursion will eventually end in the neighborhood of 39 miles later at the Avery Trailhead, the designated path’s easternmost terminus.
Last week’s trek lent to a fairly easy and scenic 5-mile walk that ended at the Thompkins Bend access point. Today’s journey will start at Thompkins Bend and will lead us for another 5 miles, give or take a few tenths, to the Joplin Trailhead.
This walk, too, lends to several views of beautiful lake Ouachita. However, it also strays a little farther into the forest and out of sight of the reservoir. Although this particular walk is a far cry from what most hiking enthusiasts would consider as difficult, it might be just a little tougher than the hike we have already experienced. But it’s hardly strenuous enough for one to avoid the experience.
In fact, this is my favorite route of the two. Granted, views of the lake are fewer. But on the other hand, there are some impressive scenes awaiting deeper into the seclusion of the forest.
OK, let’s begin our walk. From the Thompkins Bend Trailhead, where last week’s walk ended, we’ll strike out across the road and enter the woods at the trail sign. The trail begins on level ground and wastes no time making its way to within sight of the reservoir.
The trail follows the contour of the pocket for a distance and eventually heads slightly up a hill and deeper into the forest. The route continues along fairly level terrain for a short distance prior to making her way to an intersection. Of course, we’ll remain on the main trail However, the trail leading to the left will make a short jaunt to the Homestead access point mentioned in last week’s article.
Those who have not experienced a walk along this short spur trail might consider taking a quick detour, around one-quarter of a mile, and check out the remnants of an old homestead that was situated within a stone’s throw of the road leading to Thompkins Bend and the Homestead Trailhead.
Now, back to the main path. The trail will eventually veer back to the left and make a few short climbs and descents along the way while back in route to within sight of Lake Ouachita.
The trail parallels the shoreline for a short distance prior to veering back into the woods and out of sight of the reservoir. The path will continue making its way over small knolls and hills as it winds through the forest, eventually making a slight descent into a drainage area that I consider the highlight of the entire walk.
The beaten path makes its way across an impressive footbridge, lending to an interesting scene to the left. It appears that a deep ditch was intentionally cut along the creek bed many years ago. In fact, it has a striking resemblance to a ditch that might have been cut via a backhoe. However, I suppose it could have been dug with nothing more than a few picks, shovels and backbreaking labor. And then again, it might just be a result of erosion.
But regardless, it will become even more evident that the drainage ditch was modified, as several old mines are located just upstream, and within eyeshot of the trail.
That’s right, the trail runs within feet of where folks once mined for quartz crystals. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll not see the remnants of a huge mining operation. Instead, several small holes were dug into the substrate in search of crystals.
I am unsure of when this little section of the forest was mined. And I’m not sure why the small operation ceased. But judging from the number of crystals that are found annually in the vicinity of Mount Ida, I would not be the least bit surprised if those involved found a few of these beautiful minerals.
One is apt to find the drainage area most interesting, knowing that a small mining operation occurred many years ago. But this particular section of the forest also provides an optimal habitat for an array of plants
to thrive. In fact, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised upon happening upon several showy wildflowers taking root in the drainage area throughout the spring season and on into the early summer months.
The beaten path also makes its way to yet another trail intersection, about one mile into the walk. This is yet another spot where one might consider embarking upon a short detour from the main trail. However, this journey will prove a little farther than the aforementioned one.
The 1.5-mile loop eventually leads to a beautiful vista overlooking the lake. And if the view, alone, wasn’t enough to convince a hiker to add a mile or so to their journey, it is not uncommon to see bald eagles from the vista during the winter months.
OK, the detour is behind us and now we’re back on the main path. The route eventually eases back within sight of the lake. In fact, it’ll run within sight of the shoreline four times prior to veering deeper into the woods and away from the water. In fact, I can recall one spot, in particular, where one might consider stopping, kicking back on the bench and taking in the view of the large pocket while resting their legs.
The beaten path winds through the forest for about 1.25 miles prior to making its way back to the water’s edge and providing the final two scenes of the shoreline before the walk’s end.
The designated route will then wind through the woods for in the neighborhood of another mile and one quarter prior to crossing Mountain Harbor Road and running along a dirt road for approximately 0.5 miles to the trailhead, where today’s walk will end.
Yep, this is yet another section of the LOVIT Trail that I am confident hiking enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy. That being said, it also lends to the perfect opportunity for one to improve their cardio and gain confidence prior to tackling next week’s journey
To get to the Thompkins Bend Trailhead from Hot Springs, head west on Highway 270 for about 25 miles and take a right onto Shangri-la Road. Remain on Shangi-la Road for approximately 2.2 miles and the parking area will be on the left.
To get to the Joplin Trailhead (takeout point) from Hot Springs, travel about 24 miles and take a right onto Mountain Harbor Road, beside the Joplin Store. Travel a short distance and turn right onto the dirt road, across the road from the Methodist church. Remain on the dirt road for approximately 0.4 miles and the parking area will be on the right.