Trails
Scenic
beauty and wildlife abound on the recreational trails surrounding Lake Ouachita. Numerous
trails are located on Corps of Engineers property and on the Ouachita National
Forest surrounding the lake. Hiking is a popular recreational activity
at Lake Ouachita. There are also trails available for mountain biking. Whether
you would like to spend an hour or a day in the woods and along the shoreline,
there is a trail for you here.
Please protect and preserve plant and animal life so others may enjoy the
beauty you have experienced. Some portions of a trail may pass near private
land. It is the responsibility of each hiker to review the map and be alert
for boundary signs to avoid trespassing.
The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
Lake
Ouachita Vista Trail is an un-surfaced hiking and mountain biking trail
winding along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. Being developed by volunteers
in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Forest Service, plans
call for the trail to extend 35 to 40 miles along the shore, connecting private
resorts and public campgrounds before linking up with the Charlton Trail
to the east. Parking is provided at each trailhead, and benches are
placed along the trail for hikers to take a break.
For more information
visit http://www.lakeouachitavistatrail.org/.
Corps of Engineers Trails
The Corps of Engineers maintains nature trails in Brady Mountain and Denby
Point campgrounds. The Woodpecker Hollow Nature Trail and the Buckskin
Nature Trail, both located in Denby Point Campground, are 0.5 miles in length
and take approximately forty minutes to complete. Each is designed
with markers along the trail that identify unique and common features of
the area. Guide booklets are available that correspond with the trail
markers. Remember to walk slowly and quietly for your best chance to
view wildlife, and do not litter on the trail.
Watchable Wildlife ADA Trail
Currently
under construction, the Watchable Wildlife ADA Trail will be a 0.75 mile
handicap accessible trail that connects to the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
near Tompkins Bend Recreation Area. Upon completion the trail will
be completely paved and will feature restrooms, a visitor information kiosk,
and an elevated wildlife viewing walkway. This trail is being developed
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Denby Bay Coalition. If
you would like to volunteer your time to help complete this trail, please
contact the Lake Ouachita Field Office at (501) 767-2101. Construction
volunteers are needed to assist with building the substructure of the elevated
portion to include the decking, handrails, and ramps.
Ouachita Geo-Float Trail
The Geo-Float Trail at Lake Ouachita is unique - it is the first water-based
interpretive trail to be designated as a National Recreation Trail. The
self-guided boat tour takes you across the water of Lake Ouachita to some
of the most unique geologic features in the world. The trail is a 16-mile
(25.7 km) trip from the Spillway Recreation Area to Brady Mountain Recreation
Area, and will take about 1 1/2 hours to complete. The time will vary
depending on your boat's speed and the time you spend at each stop. Follow
the map to the bright yellow buoys which mark specific stops along the route. For
better understanding of the features, we suggest that you begin at Stop A
and continue in alphabetical order. As the seasons change, so do the
natural features of Lake Ouachita. During the fall and winter months it is
easier to view the geologic features because the water level is low, but
remember - low water levels can make boating hazardous because rocks, stumps,
and other obstructions are closer to the surface and the bottom of your boat. Also
watch the weather, the time of day, and the gas gauge. Safe boating
will make your day more enjoyable. The float trip is a joint
effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Arkansas Geologic Commission,
and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Lake Ouachita State Park:
Two hiking trails are maintained at Lake Ouachita State Park, the 4-mile
Caddo Bend Trail and the 0.5-mile Dogwood Trail. For more information
visit the Lake Ouachita State Park at http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakeouachita/.
Ouachita National Forest:
Portions of the 192-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail run just north
of Lake Ouachita. For more information visit the U.S. Forest Service
at http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/index.shtml.
Hot Springs National Park:
Numerous trails are available within the Hot Springs National Park in
downtown Hot Springs. For more information visit the National Park
Service at http://www.nps.gov/hosp/.
