The best walks and hikes in Pike County

The Little Missouri Trail to Winding Stairs offers a moderate hiking experience through the remote Ouachita National Forest, leading you past clear waters and through diverse woodlands. This 2.0-mile (3.3 km) out-and-back route, with only 155 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 54 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for a relatively quick but rewarding journey. You'll encounter stately hardwoods, old-growth pine stands, and the stunning "Winding Stairs" rock formations along the Little Missouri River, where layered shelves create natural stair-like features.

Planning your visit requires a bit of preparation, as you'll need to cross the Little Missouri River and several creeks multiple times. The rocks can be slick, and high water levels after rain can make crossings dangerous, so always check conditions beforehand. The trail is open to foot traffic and mountain bikes only, ensuring a quiet experience away from vehicles. While specific trailhead parking isn't detailed, expect to find access points typical of a national forest trail.

This trail is a celebrated part of the Ouachita Mountains, known for its hidden natural beauty and the sense of solitude it offers. The Little Missouri River itself is a highlight, with its emerald green pools and sections where the current surges around large boulders. You'll also spot large novaculite rock outcrops and tranquil river bottom forests shaded by towering umbrella magnolias, all contributing to the area's wild character.

The Eagle Rock Loop offers a rugged and rewarding hiking experience through the Ouachita National Forest, traversing diverse landscapes from mixed hardwood and pine forests to lush river valleys. You'll encounter numerous creek and river crossings, including the Little Missouri River, which often requires wet crossings. The trail features impressive natural landmarks like the Winding Stairs area with its unique rock formations and the expansive views from Eagle Rock Vista, making it a memorable journey for those seeking a challenge.

This difficult 13.4-mile (21.6 km) route involves 1420 feet (433 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 6 hours and 40 minutes to complete. It's considered one of Arkansas's toughest loop hikes, demanding good physical condition and preparation for its strenuous nature and tricky water crossings. While relatively accessible from Little Rock, plan your visit carefully, especially regarding water levels in the spring.

Historically, the Eagle Rock Loop combines three distinct trails, tracing back to a 100-year-old postal route and old wagon roads. It's often seen as a "test piece" for experienced hikers due to its challenging terrain, which includes crossing nine mountains and navigating significant vertical activity. The trail provides ample opportunities for remote camping, often conveniently located near water sources, enhancing its appeal for backpackers.

The Tall Peak Trail offers a rugged and rewarding hiking experience through the Caney Creek Wilderness, culminating in expansive views from a historic fire tower. You'll start with scenic crossings of the Saline River, navigating unique rock formations, before beginning a steady and steep ascent up Tall Peak Mountain. The terrain is varied and demanding, featuring rocky glades and narrow bluff line passes, making it a true test for those seeking a wilderness adventure.

To make the most of your visit, plan to hike during the leaf-off season for the clearest panoramic views from the Tall Peak Fire Tower. Trekking poles are highly recommended for the steep sections, and be prepared for potentially wet conditions during the initial Saline River crossings. This 9.2-mile (14.8 km) route, with 1350 feet (411 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes around 4 hours and 21 minutes to complete.

This trail is notable for its raw beauty and the physical challenge it presents, traversing a significant portion of the 14,460-acre Caney Creek Wilderness. The historic fire lookout tower at the summit, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps around 1938, is a significant highlight, offering a 360-degree perspective of the surrounding forest and Shady Lake. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a challenging hike with a historical landmark and stunning vistas.

The Athens-Big Fork Trail is a truly rugged and rewarding hiking experience, known for its direct assault on the Ouachita Mountains. You'll find yourself constantly ascending and descending, with steep, unsurfaced paths that demand strong physical effort. The payoff is spectacular, with expansive views of the Ouachita range from viewpoints like Eagle Rock Vista and Brushheap Mountain, making the challenge worthwhile.

This trail is best enjoyed from autumn through spring, when temperatures are more favorable for strenuous activity. While water sources in the valleys, particularly creeks, are generally plentiful in spring, it's always wise to carry sufficient water for the 6.7 miles (10.9 km) and 1669 feet (509 metres) of climbing. The route is officially rated as moderate, but its demanding nature means you should plan for a full 4 hours and 11 minutes of focused hiking.

What makes the Athens-Big Fork Trail unique is its historical origin as a 125-year-old mail route, designed for the shortest distance between two towns rather than ease of travel. This explains its relentless north-to-south trajectory over eight mountains, a stark contrast to most Ouachita trails that follow east-west ridges. Its challenging terrain and historical context make it a significant and memorable destination for experienced hikers in Arkansas.

The Long Creek Crossing – Brush Heap Mountain Junction loop from Leader Saddle offers a deep dive into the Ouachita Mountains' wild side. This difficult 14.1-mile (22.6 km) hike, with its 3220 feet (981 metres) of elevation gain, will immerse you in dense forests of oak, hickory, and pine, punctuated by crystal-clear streams. You'll experience the rugged terrain firsthand, including a steep and long climb up Brush Heap Mountain, where you can expect expansive views of the surrounding mountain folds, making it a rewarding, albeit challenging, journey for those who love a true wilderness experience. The estimated duration for this adventure is around 9 hours and 10 minutes.

Planning your trip means preparing for a remote and strenuous outing. An early start is highly recommended to ensure you have enough daylight for the entire 9-hour and 10-minute trek. You'll need to be self-sufficient, carrying all necessary water and supplies, as amenities are non-existent. Spring and early summer are particularly beautiful times to hike, offering the chance to see wildflowers like trillium and dogwood blooming along the trail.

This loop traverses a region known for its historic Athens-Big Fork Trail, a route that once connected towns over a century ago. The Ouachita Mountains are characterized by unique geological formations and a rich ecosystem, home to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even occasional black bears. The north-to-south orientation of the trails across mountain ridges, rather than along them, contributes significantly to the strenuous nature of hiking in this area, making it a notable destination for those seeking solitude and a genuine test of endurance.