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 campground before
finally linking up with the Charlton Trail to the east. Parking is
provided at each trailhead.
Hikers and bikers travel up, down, and along mountain slopes through
a mixed hardwood and pine forest opening up at several places to
breathtaking views of the lake. Beautiful displays of wildflowers
await during the spring and summer months. Eagle Vista provides a
glorious opportunity to view the Bald Eagles in the winter. Along
the trail pits left by quartz and silver speculators, an old cattle
dip, and the remains of a moonshiner's still are evidence of the
area's colorful history. Strategically placed benches allow hikers
to take a break and enjoy the view.
GRAND
OPENING
Thanks to the
traildogs who attended the Hickory Nut Mountain ribbon cutting
ceremony on Friday, May 2 at 1:00 pm. The stormy weather early
Friday seemed to hose down the normal crowd we usually have for
these ceremonies but there were still about 40 people in
attendance. It was absolutely beautiful on the mountain as we
gathered to cut that ribbon and officially open the third leg of the
trail. Dignitaries attending included Richard Davies, Director of
State Parks and Tourism, Bill Pell from the USFS, Steve Weston from
the AHTD, Richard Stokes USCOE manger for Lake Ouachita, and Jeff
Weaver representing Rep Ross's office. All the traildogs and USFS
personnel who participated in the actual dig were given their own
scissors for a group cutting. A number of the traildogs joined in
a hike of the new section immediately after the ceremony. All
enjoyed the casual hike together with usually kicking of loose rocks
and throwing of fallen limbs off the trail, all the time jokingly
telling one another, "don't look down."
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