LOVIT part three: More rugged, but water spectacles await
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey along the LOVIT Trail From Jolplin to Hickory Nut Mountain.
So here we are again, preparing for a trek along yet another section of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, or LOVIT. Our first two excursions have lent to moderate to fairly easy treks through the woods, each consisting of in the neighborhood of 5 miles.
Today’s walk, beginning at the Joplin Trailhead, is noticeably shorter, as it only stretches in the neighborhood of 4 miles prior to the excursion’s end at the access point atop Hickory Nut Mountain.
But don’t get too caught up in the shorter distance, as the trek is noticeably more difficult. In fact, those hiking this section of the trail should be prepared for a steep descent shortly into the hike, let alone the toughest climb that we will have experienced throughout the hike thus far.
Don’t get me wrong. In no form or fashion am I remotely suggesting that one avoids this section of the 39-mile route. It’s just important that those embarking upon this particular walk understand what lies ahead, and don’t strike out oblivious to the fact that sections of the walk will prove noticeably more strenuous than the first 10 miles that we have already experienced.
That all being said, I actually found this section of the LOVIT Trail most enjoyable. Although the terrain is more rugged and there are far fewer views of the lake along the way, the scenery is far from boring, especially shortly after significant rainfall has swollen the small streams cut their way down steep draws and along jagged creek-beds.
OK, enough babbling. Let’s begin our journey at the Joplin Trailhead, where last week’s excursion came to an end. To get to the trailhead, from Hot Springs, take Highway 270 west for approximately 24 miles and turn right (north) onto Mountain Harbor Road, immediately after passing the Joplin Store.
Speaking of the store, those who are not comfortable with relieving themselves in the midst of Mother Nature might consider making a pit stop, as the next restroom facility will be a vault toilet located within close proximity to where the jaunt will end atop Hickory Nut Mountain. One might also consider picking up a free map of the entire trail while at the store, as well.
Now that we have that taken care of, let’s embark upon a short drive along Mountain Harbor Road and make a righthand turn onto the dirt road at the trail sign and across the road from the Methodist Church. Remain on the dirt road for about 0.4 miles and the parking lot will be on the right.
From the parking area, strike out to the right on the dirt road and veer to the left at the upcoming intersection. The trail will continue along the road for a short distance until finally making its way onto the woods.
Although the road that we walked was rather level, the trail wastes no time embarking upon a steep descent down the hill and into a drainage area. In fact, it makes a 0.75-mile downward jaunt prior to reaching a drainage area and crossing a creek.
I suppose this would prove the perfect time to explain that there are no footbridges along the section of trail we will be traveling today. In fact, one might be prepared to get their feet wet on an occasion or two during the walk, if they experience the excursion during the wetter seasons. But one’s efforts will be rewarded.
The trail heads uphill shortly after crossing the creek and ties in with yet another road. The trail will share the road with the forest for in the neighborhood of a mile, to where we will be faced with yet another creek crossing.
The route on the opposing side of the creek leads the hiker through the most scenic section of the entire hike, as it parallels a beautiful creek making its way through a lush, low-lying riparian environment.
The trail runs within sight of small waterfalls and cascades galore, especially within a day or two of significant precipitation, all of which lend to an overall impressive scene. However, the most impressive water spectacle lurks at the end of a short spur trail, located about 0.5 miles after crossing the creek.
Yet another impressive cascade, referred to as “Hot Dog Falls,” awaits about a mile farther down the trail. And this is also where the route leaves the drainage behind and begins its long and daunting ascent up the mountain. In fact, the next 1.5 miles are pretty much all uphill.
The climb doesn’t seem overly intense at the beginning of the ascent. And the substrate is overly burdened with rocks and boulders. However, the difficulty level seems to increase as the trek up the mountain continues.
Again, I am not remotely trying to convince anyone to avoid this section of the LOVIT Trail. In fact, I’ll step out on a limb and suggest that just about anyone who hikes on a fairly regular basis will have little to no trouble making the ascent. And those who are not as physically prepared can simply allow ample time to stop for as many breathers as needed during the climb.
The beaten path eventually nears the top of the ridgeline. But the hiker that begins to believe that the climb is all but behind them might find themselves just a little disappointed when the designated path veers hard to the left and begins to parallel the ridge and even heads ever-so-slightly back down the hill.
But be patient, as the trail eventually heads back to the right and begins what I considered as the steepest and most difficult section climb of the entire outing.
Don’t get me wrong — the substrate was surprisingly smooth, as the trail made a couple of switchbacks. But it was certainly steep enough to deem the trek strenuous.
Well, the trail eventually topped on a ridge, deeming pretty much all of the ascents behind us. In fact, the path made a pleasant journey along rolling hills and an environment typical to the mountainous region of the Ouachitas.
The trail made its way to the trailhead shortly thereafter, deeming the excursion all but over. Although a few steep de
scents and climbs lurked along the way, this was certainly one of the more enjoyable hikes that I had experienced in some time. And I was already anticipating our upcoming jaunt along the next leg of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail.
To get to the takeout point, from Hot Springs, take Highway 270 west toward Mount Ida for about 22 miles and turn right onto Hickory Nut Mountain Road. Be aware that you’ll pass one sign on the highway’s edge long before reaching the intersection. So be sure and turn at the Hickory Nut Mountain Road sign.
Once turning onto Hickory Nut Mountain Road, follow the unpaved surface, as it winds steeply up the hill, and veer left at the intersection, right at 4 miles. Remain on the narrow road as it makes its way alongside several campsites and to the trailhead parking area.
One might consider continuing up the hill, upon their departure, and experience the incredible view of a distant Lake Ouachita from the vista.