Huckleberry Mountain
Horse Trail
The Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail consists of two main loops
which offer 34.3 miles of the most scenic horseback riding,
hiking, ATV, and mountain biking opportunities in the Ozark
National Forest. Deep winding valleys framed by rugged mountain
bluffs give way to clear mountain streams.
The 22.4-mile Huckleberry Mountain Loop contains a 9.5-mile
loop for those seeking a shorter trail. The Apple Loop provides
an 11.9-mile loop. Each trail crosses several gravel roads,
allowing you to plan trips from one-half mile to 34.3 miles.
Portions of the trail are located along old logging roads and
open forest roads.
The trail system meanders through numerous creeks and along
several ponds, which provide sources for watering horses. Pond
locations not adjacent to the trail are designated by signs
and blue arrows on markers.
Bulletin boards are located at many trail access points. Positioned
on each board is a trail registration box. For monitoring purposes,
please sign the registration form only at the point of access.
Apple Loop
The Apple Loop provides easy riding terrain along 11.9 miles
of existing forest roads and old logging roads. This is marked
with yellow sign posts and/or horseshoe-shaped paint marks on
trees.
Primitive group camping and day-use parking is located at the
Mt. Magazine Camp just off Mt. Magazine Scenic Byway
on Forest Road (FR) 1638. From this camp, the trail heads east
down to and across Arkansas 309. Please use caution when crossing
the highway.
Huckleberry Mountain Loop
The Huckleberry Mountain Loop covers 22.4 miles of easy to more
difficult terrain. This trail is marked with orange sign posts
and/or horseshoe-shaped paint marks on trees. For beginners,
the 9.5-mile loop covering easier terrain is recommended.
The Sorghum Hollow Camp is located on FR 1614 (gravel).
From Arkansas 22, follow FR 1614 (Sorghum Hollow Road) 4.7 miles,
then turn left into camp. This developed camp has 15 campsites
and restroom facilities. Day-use parking is also available.
Primitive group camping and day-use parking are provided at
two undeveloped camp locations that provide access to the trail.
The Old Walnut Tree Camp is located on FR 1604 (gravel).
From Arkansas 22, follow FR 1614 ((Sorghum Hollow Road) 2.3
miles, turn right on FR 1604, approximately .2 miles past Shoal
Creek low water bridge.
The Huckleberry Camp is located at the end of FR 1613
(gravel). From Arkansas 22, turn south of Paris on Arkansas
309, continue approximately 11 miles to FR 1601 (gravel). Turn
left and travel 8 miles to FR 1613 (gravel), then turn left
and continue 3.5 miles to the camp location.
How Easy is the Trail?
Difficulty levels along the entire trail system range from easy
to more difficult. Elevation is indicated on the map at 100-foot
intervals.
- Easy -- A trail requiring limited skill with little challenge
to travel.
- More Difficult -- A trail requiring some skill and challenge
to travel.
Riders need to be aware that high water levels make for dangerous
crossings along Shoal Creek. The crossings are easily negotiable
at normal water levels. Stay posted on weather forecasts so
you will know what to expect when crossing creeks. Exercise
caution when riding on open forest roads.
What Should You Know?
- Organized rides of 75 or more participants will require
a special-use permit.
- Primary use is designed for travel by horse.
- Hiking, mountain bicycles, and ATV use is permitted.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on closed logging and
forest roads.
- Camping is permitted along the trail but is subject to
general forest regulations.
- Horse riders are required to remove the hay and manure
from their campsites and parking area when vacating designated
campgrounds.
- When vacating your camp along the trail system, riders
are required to scatter the hay and manure from their site.
- From April to May, a portion of the Huckleberry Mountain
Loop is closed for turkey hunting and nesting/hatching season.
Contact the district office for specific dates and locations.
- Caution! Heavy rains may increase water volume in streams
to dangerous levels unsuitable for crossing by foot, horse,
ATV, or any vehicle. Swiftly moving water and moss-covered
rocks above and below waterfalls and in stream beds may increase
the likelihood of slipping and falling, and the possibility
of being swept away.
- The Ozarks are known for their clear mountain streams; however,
always use a water filtering device before drinking.
The Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail is designed for your enjoyment.
Please help preserve the natural beauty of the trail by packing
out all that you pack in.
For More Information Contact:
Magazine Ranger District
3001 East Walnut
Paris, AR 72855
(479) 963-3076
