The best walks and hikes in Perry County

Yes, there are several options suitable for families. The Seven Hollows Trail loop — Ouachita National Forest is a great choice, offering an engaging walk through interesting rock formations without being too strenuous. Another good option is the View of Lake Winona loop from Challain Place, which provides pleasant lakeside scenery on a relatively flat path.

The hiking experience is largely defined by the Ouachita National Forest. You can expect trails that wind through dense woodlands and rolling hills. Many routes feature natural sandstone rock formations, hollows carved by creeks, and scenic views of local lakes and waterways.

For a more demanding hike, consider the Ouachita Recreation Trail — Highway 9 to Lake Sylvia loop. At over 11 miles (17.7 km) with significant elevation gain, it offers a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers looking to spend a good portion of their day on the trail.

Yes, most of the popular trails in the area are loops, which makes logistics simple. For a moderately challenging loop, the Boy Scout — Canyon Trails loop is a fantastic option that navigates through the forested terrain.

Most trails within the Ouachita National Forest are dog-friendly, but your dog must be kept on a leash at all times. It's also important to bring enough water for your pet and to clean up after them to help preserve the natural beauty of the trails.

Yes, you can. The Cedar Falls loop from Oppelo is a moderate trail that leads to a waterfall, making it a popular choice for those seeking water features. Water flow can be seasonal, so it's often best to visit after a recent rainfall.

The trails in Perry County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from the unique geological features of the hollows to the serene lakeside paths within the Ouachita National Forest.

The Ouachita National Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife. While hiking, you might spot white-tailed deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out for reptiles and amphibians near creeks and wet areas. As always, it's best to observe wildlife from a safe distance and not to feed them.

Trails within the Ouachita National Forest are generally well-maintained and marked. However, it's always a good practice to download your route map for offline use before you go, as cell service can be unreliable in more remote parts of the forest.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in this region, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with spring wildflowers or autumn foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, so if you hike then, be sure to start early and carry plenty of water. Winters are generally mild, but trails can be wet.