Hiking the Huckleberry Trail at Woolly Hollow State Park (Faulkner County, north of Conway in the foothills of the Ozarks) is a great way to see and explore the entire park. This mildly challenging 3-mile loop showcases the hardwoods and landscape of the area as it circles Lake Bennett, a 40-acre lake built in the 1930s.

The Huckleberry Trail isn’t a complete loop. The trail begins and ends near the same point, but it can easily be connected by walking the road for about a quarter-mile. This not only gives you more views of the lake, but it also takes you by the Woolly Cabin, a one-room family homestead built in 1882.

Getting to the Huckleberry Trailhead at Woolly Hollow

To get to Woolly Hollow, take US Highway 65 north from Conway. After about 10 miles (and after going through Greenbrier), turn right (east) onto state highway 285 and take it for 6 miles. The state park will then be on your left.

To find the main trailhead for the Huckleberry Trail from the visitor center, drive toward the campground and past the pavilion. After roughly 0.2 miles, the trailhead is on your left with a small parking area.

There are also two other trailheads for alternate starting points

The Hike – Trailhead to Springfield Road

From here, you will take the loop clockwise.

As you begin your hike, you pass several trail intersections. The Gold Creek Trail is a short 0.13 spur that exits and returns back into the Huckleberry Trail.

The Cabin Trail also leaves from the Huckleberry Trail and ends at the historic Woolly Cabin. It is 0.6 miles in total.

The Huckleberry Trail begins with a gradual climb. After you pass the trail intersections, it drops down a little into the valley and crosses the creek.

The trail then slowly climbs out of the valley, and (especially during leaf-off) you begin to get glimpses of the campground and lake below. It then hugs the contours of the hillside and heads west into the wilderness.

At mile 1.15, the trail crosses Historic Springfield Road Trail. There are two fences you walk through to separate the hiking trail from the mountain biking trail.

Springfield Road to Woolly Hollow Road Crossing

After you cross the Historic Springfield Road, the trail takes you across a beautiful creek. Then it climbs a little along the hill.

This portion of the trail gives you gorgeous views of the creek below. You can see it get larger, as you approach where it flows into Lake Bennett.

The trail can be a bit confusing in this area because the blazes switch colors from blue to red. Apparently, this loop used to be two different trails.

Around mile 1.5, the creek turns into Lake Bennett, and you begin to get beautiful views of the lake. For the next 0.4 miles, the trail follows the lake high above the shore.

At mile 1.8, there is a lovely bench for you to take a rest and enjoy the wonderful views of the lake and park.

Just a little farther at mile 1.9, there is a short spur trail to another bench and the lakeshore below. This is a great place to take a break.

From there, the trail follows along the ridge for just a short way. Here you get views of the earthen dam of Lake Bennett.

The trail then drops down into the valley below the dam. As it does, it passes a seasonal spillway (making a waterfall) for the lake which is very scenic during wet times.

The trail continues to a different trailhead near the entrance of the park at mile 2.2.

Road Crossing to End

The Huckleberry Trail crosses Woolly Hollow Road and climbs to the top of a ridge.

In this part, the trail continues through the hardwood forest. The trail gets close to the park boundary, and you get views through the trees of meadows from private land which is really pretty.

The woods are nice and open, and toward the top of the ridge, you get more glimpses of the lake.

Around mile 2.6, the trail begins to drop back down into the valley and to the road below.

Walking the Road Back

The Huckleberry Trail officially ends at mile 2.8, where it intersects with the road. From here you walk along the road toward the visitor center.

At mile 3.05 you can see the history of Woolly Cabin. Take the short spur trail for an up close and personal look at it. It’s really neat to be able to see how people lived 150 years ago.

After you’ve explored the cabin, continue along the road – past the pavilion – and back to the trailhead.

Final Notes

Generally, the trail was easy to follow and in good condition.

Most of these photos are from my December 25, 2021 hike.

Woolly Hollow State Park offers many other fun outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking.

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[A version of this post was originally published on January 13, 2022 in the blog “Right Kind of Lost.”]

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One of my favorite hikes around the Hot Springs area is the Caddo Bend Trail at Lake Ouachita State Park (Garland County). This 4-mile moderately challenging loop showcases the beauty of the forest that blankets the Ouachita Mountains.

It also has beautiful views of Lake Ouachita.

Getting to Caddo Bend Trail

To get to Lake Ouachita State Park from Interstate 30, take Exit 98B to get on Highway 270 West. Stay on 270 West for about 22 miles as it goes through the south part of Hot Springs. Then swing left to stay on 270 West as it merges with Albert Pike Road.

After another 1.5 miles, turn right onto Highway 227 (Pine Mountain Road). Stay on this road to the park, about 12 more miles.

Take a left at the visitor center onto Crawdad Island Road. The clearly marked trailhead is on the left just ahead. There is parking there.

The Trail

Caddo Bend Trail mostly follows the perimeter of a peninsula on the east side of Lake Ouachita. The suggested hiking direction is clockwise walking the south side of the peninsula first, then the short west end, then back on the north side. That is the way I usually go.

The trail has numerous yellow blazes and distance markers every half-mile.

The trail is not very difficult, but it does have plenty of up-and-down climbing. There is only about a 150-foot difference between the highest and lowest elevations, but the “total elevation gain” (a calculation that adds up all the uphill climbing) is about 790 feet.

Tornado Impact

A tornado on April 25, 2011 struck the park and severely damaged the trail. It knocked down nearly all the trees on about one-third of the peninsula taking out much of the canopy.

Although it is sad that the storm damaged one of my favorite trails, it is interesting to see the growth of nature in the tornado-cleared areas.

Actually I kind of like the changes. It opened up the trail, so the vistas of the lake are more numerous, and there are many more wildflowers in the spring and summer.

I also love hiking through the tall grasses that now take advantage of the abundance of sunlight.

But don’t forget your bug spray. The grasses and wildflowers are prime areas for chiggers.

West Peninsula and North Side

A little under half way, the trail comes to the tip of the peninsula on the west end of the loop. There is a deck here overlooking Lake Ouachita. This is a superb spot to watch the sunset.

An unofficial spur trail to the left will take you down to the lake shore. The trail never actually takes you down to the lake. But there are several unofficial trails that lead to nice beaches for cooling or just enjoying the lake.

As the trail rounds the end of the peninsula, you hike through fairly rocky terrain. Then as the trail parallels the tip of the peninsula, it provides you with wonderful piney views of the cliffs below.

The trail makes its way around to the north side and begins heading back to the campgrounds and the park’s marina. On this leg, there are two bridges that cross deep ravines. The trail takes you through open woods, and there are not as many meadowy tornado damaged areas as on the south side.

In the middle of the peninsula there is a gravel road, and all along the trail there are side trails that take you to that road. The well-marked spur trails to the road are great if you want to cut the trail short. The road in the middle is also nice and wide, so it is easier to walk out in the twilight if you want to watch the sunset from the vista.

At around 4 miles, the trail completes the loop back by the trailhead.

Final Notes

Numerous interpretive signs offer information about wildlife that are unique to the area.

I consider the trail difficulty to be moderate (3 of 5). The trail has a few ups and downs, but for the most part the steepness is not too terrible.

I tried trail running the Caddo Bend Trail once. That was enough for me. I am not a trail runner, and I don’t advise trying it on this trail. There are so many rocks and roots that I was constantly watching my footing, more so than on a typical trail.

I also ran with my dog, Caddie. Trying to keep my balance on the unsure footing and hold the leash was just too much.

By the way, this is an awesome place to kayak. The geology of the lake is extremely interesting. The state park offers geological guided tours via party barge.

These photos are from my December 2018 hike except for the designated ones that Mike Newman took in June 2016.

Photo Gallery

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Map

[A version of this post was originally published on October 27, 2016 in the blog “Right Kind of Lost.”]

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Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park (Lonoke County, southeast of Little Rock) is the site of the tallest surviving prehistoric mounds in Arkansas.

The area was occupied from 600 to 1050 A.D. The Native American people who lived here are referred to as the Plum Bayou culture.

One of the best ways to see the park is via the Plum Bayou Trail, an easy 1.7-mile figure-8 path.

In addition to the historical sites viewable on the trail, there is a cool boardwalk on Mound Lake that is a treat to walk.

Getting to Toltec Mounds

To get to the park from Little Rock, take Interstate 440 to Highway 165 heading south toward England. Stay on 165 for about 9 miles.

Take a right on Highway 386 (Toltec Mounds Road). Follow the signs to the park for another half-mile.

Go in the visitor center and follow the signs to enter the grounds. There used to be a charge, but as of this writing admission is free.

Plum Bayou Trail

The Plum Bayou trailhead is just a few hundred feet from the visitor center. The trail is a dirt path that takes off to the right. Just follow the signs.

You’ll get more out of the visit if you learn a little about the area first. Check out the museum in the visitor center. You also may want to look at this Toltec Mounds information sheet and the official Plum Bayou Trail brochure. 

The first part of the trail swings along the outside of a former embankment. The embankment location is designated with orange cones. Presumably, the embankment was destroyed when the area was later used by settlers for farming.

It is thought the embankment marked the perimeter of the area for the political, religious, and social activities that took place here.

At around .4 miles, the trail enters a small wooded area near Mound Lake and then makes a sharp left turn and heads toward the 39-foot Mound B.

At around .7, the trail crosses the (paved) Knapp Trail. Shortly after that, it makes another curve and works its way back toward the boardwalk.

At around 1.1, the trail comes by the 49-foot Mound A, the largest one at the site. Here, Plum Bayou Trail makes a left turn joining (and overlapping) the Knapp Trail. (The signage wasn’t that clear on this when I was last there.)

Mound Lake at one time was part of the Arkansas River. The boardwalk area on Mound Lake is beautiful. There are really cool cyprus trees (with knees) in the water by the boardwalk.

After the boardwalk, stay on the Knapp Trail as it heads back up to the visitor center.

Final Notes

This is an easy trail to walk. It’s easy to follow and well maintained.

For a shorter walk, there is the Knapp Trail. It is a 3/4 mile paved path.

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Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park: Plum Bayou Trail
Location	Lonoke County, Arkansas (about 10 miles southeast of Little Rock, near England)
Hike Length/Type	1.7 mile loop. Blue blazes.
Difficulty	Easy. (1 of 5)
Other Permitted Usage	Pets on a leash.
Gpx file by Mike	Link
Date Hiked	8-25-2018 (and earlier)
Directions	Google Maps Directions to Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park
Official Info	501-961-9442 Website Park Brochure (pdf) Park Information Sheet (pdf) Plum Bayou Trail Brochure (pdf)

Last revised: 8-15-2021.

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The Charlton Trail (Garland County near Hot Springs in the Ouachita National Forest) is a great mid-length trail with gorgeous wooded views. It is 4.1 miles long (or 8.2 miles for out-and-back hike).

The trail starts at the Charlton Recreation Area on Highway 270 and heads to the northeast to Crystal Springs Recreation Area on Lake Ouachita.

There are some steep spots on the Charlton Trail that will get your heart pumping, but most of the trail is not difficult.

Getting to the Trail

There is a trailhead at the Charlton Recreation Area (Charlton Campground) and another at Crystal Springs Recreation Area on Lake Ouachita.

To get to Charlton Recreation Area from Hot Springs, take Highway 270 heading west. It is about 15 miles from Hot Springs.

If the campground is open, just park inside.  (There may be a day-use fee.) The trailhead is in the back near the amphitheater.

After you cross the low-water bridge, make a left and walk on the road next to the swimming area. When you get to the dam, the trailhead is on your right.

During the off season, you can park outside the gate and walk to the trail.

The trailhead at Crystal Springs Recreation Area is at a pavilion across from the first campsite you pass as you come into the park.

Hiking the Charlton Trail

If you begin your hike at Charlton Recreation Area, the trail is fairly steep right off the bat as you climb up to a ridge. The forest service rates this portion as the most difficult, but fortunately it is a short climb.

This part is quite scenic and has some nice views of Walnut Creek below.

Once you get up on the ridge, the views of the mountains through the trees (leaf-off season is best) are very nice.

You will reach the high point of the hike at around .8 miles. You are about 330 feet higher than at the start.

From here, the trail stays fairly level for about a half-mile. Then it makes its descent down toward Forest Road 47.

A storm came through a while back and downed many trees. The forest service logged the fallen trees, and this part of the trail is now a beautiful area of open woods.

At about 2.4 miles, the trail crosses Forest Road 47 at Pipe Springs. (If you don’t want to shuttle or hike 8.2 miles in one day, you can hike an out-and-back from one of the trailheads to Pipe Springs.)

Do not drink the water at Pipe Springs unless you filter or treat it just like you would a stream. It is not potable and could make you sick.

The rest of the trail to Crystal Springs overlaps with part of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT). The LOViT is a 38-mile hiking trail on the south side of Lake Ouachita.

After you cross the road, the trail is level for a short ways and then crosses a small creek. When I hiked the trail after rain in January 2017, I had some trouble making a completely dry crossing.

Following the creek crossing, the trail climbs another steep hill before leveling out. You will be climbing up about 230 feet, not as much as at the beginning.

Like with the last hill, once you get to the ridge, it is nice open woods with enjoyable views.

The last half-mile stretch is a descent toward the trailhead at Crystal Springs Recreation Area.

Final Notes

The Charlton Trail is a great day hike. You can add parts of the LOViT to your hike for more possibilities. It is one of my go-to hikes when I don’t have a lot time or don’t want to travel far from the Hot Springs area.

When I was last there in early 2017, the trail was in good condition and easy to follow. There are white blazes.

The elevation change is about 400 feet. The cumulative elevation gain from Charlton Recreation Area to Crystal Springs is about 750 feet.

I rate the trail difficulty as moderate (3 of 5).

The Charlton Trail is also open to mountain biking.

These photos are from my January 8, 2017 hike.

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Map

[A version of this post was originally published on January 18, 2017 in the blog “Right Kind of Lost.”]
Last revised: 8-15-2021.

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