The best walks and hikes in Caney Creek Wilderness
16
hikers
8
hikes
Hiking in Caney Creek Wilderness offers routes through rugged terrain, characterized by sharp ridges and steep mountains such as Katy Mountain, Buckeye Mountain, and Tall Peak. The area features winding waterways like Caney Creek and Short Creek, with numerous creek crossings and occasional waterfalls. Dense, diverse forests, including old-growth bottomland forests, cover the landscape. Elevated points and rocky glades provide expansive views across the wilderness.
Best hiking trails in Caney Creek Wilderness
- The most popular hiking route is Buckeye and Caney Creek Loop Trail, a 9.5 miles (15.2 km) trail that takes 4 hours 27 minutes to complete. This moderate route combines two major trails, offering varied terrain and scenic sections.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Tall Peak Trail, a moderate 9.2 miles (14.8 km) path. This trail ascends Tall Peak, providing vistas along the way and from the summit, where a historic fire lookout is located.
- Local hikers also love the East Caney Creek Trail, a 4.1 miles (6.6 km) trail leading through forested areas along the creek, often completed in about 1 hour 47 minutes.
- Hiking in Caney Creek Wilderness is defined by rugged mountains, winding creeks, and dense forests. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easier creek-side paths to challenging mountain ascents.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 17 hikers have used komoot to explore Caney Creek Wilderness's varied terrain.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
4
hikers
6.62km
01:47
60m
120m
Embark on an easy hike along the East Caney Creek Trail, a 4.1 miles (6.6 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. You'll gain a gentle 209 feet (64 metres) in elevation as you explore the Caney Creek Wilderness. The trail winds through dense stands of beech trees, large pines, and bottomland hardwoods, offering a serene forest experience. Keep an eye out for numerous clear water crossings and small waterfalls, including the picturesque Katy Falls. As you ascend, sharp ridges provide expansive views of the Ouachita Mountains, with scattered sandstone outcroppings adding to the scenic beauty.
Before you head out, be aware that the East Caney Creek Trail features frequent creek crossings. These can be prone to flash flooding after heavy rains, so always check local conditions before your visit to ensure a safe trip. The route is not blazed or signed, which means you should bring a map and compass for reliable navigation. Some western sections may also have fallen timber, requiring careful passage. During the growing season, you might encounter encroaching briars and other vegetation, so long pants are advisable.
This trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Caney Creek Wilderness, following the creek's drainage through a diverse forest ecosystem. The presence of numerous waterfalls and clear water crossings makes it a refreshing experience, especially on warmer days. Its easy difficulty makes it accessible for most hikers looking for a peaceful escape into the Ouachita Mountains, where the landscape transitions from lush bottomlands to scenic ridge views.
1.60km
00:33
130m
0m
Embark on the Buckeye Mountain Trail for an easy 1.0-mile (1.6 km) hike that offers a quick immersion into the Caney Creek Wilderness. You will navigate varied terrain, including some rocky paths and narrow sections, as you ascend. The route gains 435 feet (133 metres) in elevation, taking approximately 33 minutes to complete. As you climb, panoramic views of the Ouachita National Forest begin to unfold, culminating in expansive vistas from the View from Buckeye Mountain, where you can see the blue mountain ridges and the Caney Creek Valley stretching out before you.
Planning your visit to the Buckeye Mountain Trail means preparing for a remote and generally uncrowded experience. You should be ready for rugged terrain, which includes rocky paths and potential overgrowth in certain areas. This can make the trail challenging to follow in places, so paying attention to your route is advisable. For your comfort and safety on these varied surfaces, good hiking boots are highly recommended.
This trail is situated within the Caney Creek Wilderness, offering a true escape into nature's embrace. The area is known for its diverse ecosystem, providing a habitat for various wildlife and plant species typical of the Ouachita National Forest. The remote setting ensures a peaceful journey, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and solitude of this unique regional landscape.
2
hikers
15.2km
04:27
410m
420m
The Buckeye and Caney Creek Loop Trail in Ouachita National Forest offers a moderate 9.5-mile hike with diverse terrain and Katy Falls.
1
hikers
14.8km
04:21
410m
410m
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.
8
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
Viles Branch Trail makes up the southeastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop, connecting Athens-Big Fork and Little Missouri Trails through pine forest and along the clear waters of Viles Branch Creek. You’ll cross the creek more than a dozen times, and the crossings are typically shallow but can be slick, so be aware of your footing. The route passes some impressive rock formations and quiet streambeds that offer some of the loop’s most peaceful views. Blazes along this trail are inconsistent, and some signage near junctions is faded, so stay alert and use your offline komoot map to confirm turns to stay on track while you enjoy this beautiful stretch.
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This spur trail junction leads to one of the best panoramic views on the Eagle Rock Loop. It’s easy to miss, especially when you’re focusing on the climb, so keep an eye out for a slight turnoff. The spur itself is gently graded and takes just a few minutes to reach the vista, making it a worthwhile detour for a snack break and a chance to take some memorable photos.
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Brush Heap Mountain marks one of the steepest climbs on the Athens-Big Fork Trail, with this junction sitting near the top of a long, rocky ascent. The trail levels briefly at the saddle, offering a chance to catch your breath before the descent. Views are limited at the junction itself, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can take the short (0.2-mile) boot trail for a better vantage point to take in the scenery, but be prepared to do some bushwhacking.
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Long Creek is a quiet, slow-moving stream that typically flows year-round. Depending on the season, the water can be ankle-deep or just low enough to rock-hop across, keeping your feet dry. It’s quiet and shaded, making it an ideal spot to take a break before the next steep ridge climb.
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Scenic 25-acre lake in a remote mountain setting. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. It continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail.
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The Tall Peak Fire Tower is a historic fire tower in the Ouachita National Forest. It is located at the top of Tall Peak in the southwestern part of the national forest in Polk County, Arkansas. It is a fieldstone structure built about 1938 by a crew of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and features the distinctive flared corners that typify CCC architecture. It is accessible via a forest service road off Polk County 64 ( also known as forest service road 38).
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The Buckeye Trail is mostly on the Ridge of Buckeye Mountain. The trail isn't marked. It begins at a small parking area off of CR64 and stays level for .4 miles then begins to climb. At the 1.7 mile mark, there is a standing rock made of novaculite, where it's a good spot to take a break. Shortly after this area, the trail becomes very hard to follow with side trails going in all directions. Just stay on the trail that ascends, and you will reach the top of the mountain at 2.1 miles. The summit offers panoramic views far and wide.
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Great views over the forest just off the trail, and a good spot to take a break on this tough trail!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Caney Creek Wilderness?
Caney Creek Wilderness offers a selection of 8 hiking routes, ranging from easy to difficult. This includes 3 easy trails, 4 moderate trails, and 1 difficult trail, providing options for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect when hiking in Caney Creek Wilderness?
Hikers in Caney Creek Wilderness should expect rugged terrain characterized by sharp ridges and steep mountains like Katy Mountain, Buckeye Mountain, and Tall Peak. The area also features winding waterways such as Caney Creek and Short Creek, which involve numerous creek crossings. Dense, diverse forests, including old-growth bottomland forests, cover the landscape, and elevated points offer expansive views.
Are there any challenging hikes in Caney Creek Wilderness?
Yes, Caney Creek Wilderness offers challenging hikes. For instance, the Long Creek Crossing – Brush Heap Mountain Junction loop from Leader Saddle is rated as difficult, covering over 22 km with significant elevation changes. The Tall Peak Trail is also known for its steep and rugged ascent, rewarding hikers with amazing vistas.
Are there any easier hiking options for beginners or those seeking a less strenuous walk?
Yes, there are easier options available. The East Caney Creek Trail is an easy 6.6 km path leading through forested areas along the creek. Another easy option is the Buckeye Mountain Trail, which is shorter and less strenuous.
Are there any waterfalls in Caney Creek Wilderness?
Yes, Caney Creek Wilderness is home to beautiful waterfalls. Hikers can discover Katy Falls, a 12-foot waterfall accessible via a spur near the west end of the Buckeye Trail, and Trailhead Falls, which also adds to the scenic allure of the wilderness.
What notable landmarks or viewpoints can I find along the trails?
Hikers can find several notable landmarks and viewpoints. On Tall Peak, there is a restored fire lookout tower, listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, offering panoramic views. Trails often lead to rocky glades and elevated points on mountains like Katy Mountain and Buckeye Mountain, providing expansive vistas, particularly stunning during the fall foliage season.
Are there any good loop hikes in Caney Creek Wilderness?
Yes, a popular loop hike is the Buckeye and Caney Creek Loop Trail. This 9.5-mile route combines sections of the Buckeye and Caney Creek Trails with a short portion of Forest Service Road 38, offering varied terrain and scenic sections.
Is Caney Creek Wilderness suitable for family hikes?
Caney Creek Wilderness is known for its solitude and primitive recreation. While some trails are rugged and challenging, easier options like the Buckeye Mountain Trail or the East Caney Creek Trail might be suitable for families seeking a less strenuous experience. However, be aware that trails are not always marked, so map and compass skills are recommended.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Caney Creek Wilderness?
Yes, dogs are generally allowed in the Caney Creek Wilderness, as it is part of the Ouachita National Forest. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash and ensure you follow Leave No Trace principles, packing out all waste to preserve the wilderness environment.
What is the best time of year to visit Caney Creek Wilderness for hiking?
The best time to visit Caney Creek Wilderness for hiking is typically during the spring and fall. In spring, wildflowers bloom, and water levels in the creeks are often higher, enhancing the waterfalls. Fall offers spectacular foliage colors and cooler temperatures, making for pleasant hiking conditions and excellent visibility for scenic vistas. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can bring cold weather and potential for ice.
Is public transport available to reach Caney Creek Wilderness trailheads?
Public transport options directly to the trailheads of Caney Creek Wilderness are generally very limited or non-existent. The wilderness area is remote, and access typically requires personal vehicle transportation. Hikers should plan to drive to the trailheads.
Do I need a permit to hike in Caney Creek Wilderness?
No, permits are generally not required for day hiking or primitive camping within the Caney Creek Wilderness. It is managed for primitive recreation, and there are no fees for entry or use of the trails. However, always check the latest regulations from the Ouachita National Forest before your visit, as rules can change.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Caney Creek Wilderness?
Hikers frequently praise the solitude and primitive nature of Caney Creek Wilderness. The rugged terrain, winding creeks, and dense forests provide a true escape into nature. Many appreciate the challenging ascents to peaks like Tall Peak for the rewarding panoramic views, and the beauty of features like Katy Falls and the old-growth bottomland forests.
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