Ozark Highlands Trail

Hike Name: Ozark Highlands Trail Location: northwest AR Length: 18.8+ Submitted by: j. davis Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Arkansas trail reviews Arkansas national parks Arkansas state parks
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Description
The OHT is a moderate to moderately strenuous 178 mile trek in its entirety. In August a friend and I started at the beautiful Lake Ft. Smith State Park (western extreme) and moved west, enjoying the slow elevation rise. As the trip progressed, we encountered more severe ups and downs as the altitude ranged between 1000-2000 feet.

Though our trip was a bit dry due to drought, there was plenty of opportunity for gorgeous mountain streams, natural waterfalls, and (early on) lake views. The trail meanders on a natural gas pipeline and goes straight by White Rock Mountain campgrounds (18.8 miles from Ft. Smith), a must see of beautiful white and grey cliffs.

The environment is almost a tropical jungle in some areas and old campgrounds may be seen next to streams. Deer abound as well as black bears (we never saw one but could smell them at night). Also we saw armadillos, various snakes, and a a rare view of a bald eagle, descending on its nest.

Though we continued an additional 7.2 miles past White Rock to Gray Springs Picnic Area, I recommend ending at White Rock or going on to the Cherry Bend Trailhead, along Highway 23, a 37 mile hike total.

Directions to Hike
From I40 thru Arkansas take Highway 71 North near Ft. Smith and keep eyes open for Park signs.

Contact Information
Forest Supervisor
P.O. Box 1008
Russelville, AR 72801
(501) 968-2354
or
OHT Association
P.O. Box 1074
Fayetteville,AR 72702

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