Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail ("LOViT") is an unsurfaced 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 including Brady Mountain, before finally reaching Blakely Mountain Dam in Hot Springs. Parking is provided at each trailhead.
Currently, the trail rises 900 feet from the Denby trailhead to the top of Hickory Nut Mountain and then on to Little Bear Creek at the foot of Big Bear Mountain. Hikers and bikers travel up, down, and along mountain slopes through mixed hardwood and pine forest opening up at several places to breathtaking views of the lake. Beautiful displays of wildflowers and tumbling waterfalls await during spring and summer months.
See the Big Picture for an overview of the entire trail.
Eagle Vista spur on the Tompkins Bend to Joplin trail segment 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, the remains of a moonshiner’s still, and waterfalls are evidence of the area’s colorful history. And, as on the entire trail, strategically placed benches allow hikers and bikers to take a break and enjoy the view.
The Watchable Wildlife, ADA-accessible trail is completed. Here is a note about opening Watchable Wildlife and other trail construction plans.
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Map of Lake Ouachita Vista Trail.
Download the full sized trail map.
Second Annual Hike For The Cure
The second annual Hike for the Cure on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) sponsored by Project Pink Awareness was held on Saturday, April 18, 2010. Fifty-nine eager participants braved the forecast for rain and came out to enjoy the hike. .... Read more
The 2011 LOViT Marathon Scheduled For December 10, 2011
The 2011 running of the LOViT Marathon is scheduled for Dec. 10, 2011. See our
Calendar of Events
for additional information.
Strong Women Participants Hike Crystal Springs Segment
A Beautiful Hike in Fall Color!
(Click for Story and Photographs)
Mountain Biking on the Vista Trails
Great Mountain Bike Trails!
You Never Know Just What You'll See Along the Trail
Be sure to bring your camera, there is always something of interest
along the trails for your travel scrapbook.