Technical Trail that traverses through glacial rock slides on steep hillsides. Climbs to the top of the Fourche Mountains providing great views to North and South. Spectacular Ice Falls can be view in the Winter only 1 1/2 mile from Hwy 71 trailhead. Follow Blue Blazing. Best Direction to ride is from to East to West. 2 Creek Crossings. Trail has been greatly improved during 2000-2002 with clearing of brush and overgrowth. Still some significant Hike-a-bike section present. Best riding in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Late summer the interior middle aspect of the trail can have high growth of brush. Local User Input
With recent improvements, this section of the Ouachita Trail is now palatable for the average to experienced rider. Expert and Intermediate riders will find ample reward for their hike-a-bike effort if riding East to West, as there is a wonderfully paced descent once you cross over the Fourche Mountain. Experienced riders can expect a 3-1/2 - 4 1/2 hour ride. Very Scenic with trail traversing through giant rock slides. In the winter, you can view a great frozen ice flow just 1 12 mile from Hwy 71. Plenty of technical and narrow single track trail. The rocky soil drains well and combined with it's ridge-top traverse, it remains dry and makes for a good choice in the Winter and Fall when you are looking for some dry trail.
You get to the trail head on HWY 71, between Y City and Mena. You can't miss the huge sign. (Pic posted) This place is like remote forest, when you get out on the trail its like mile 68 or something like that. Nice trail, just part of the large network and like I said, remote. No cell signal, so I couldn't check in to Singletracks. Rocky, sticks, some pine needles, and creeks to cross. Nice relaxing, getaway ride. Would love to and will do much more when I stay in Hot Springs.
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