Comments on: Hole in the Ground Mtn Trail (Ouachita Forest) – 7 mi (o&b)

By: Mike Newman

Mike Newman — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 22:10:51 +0000

In reply to Scott. Scott, I think that is awesome that you are doing that (with USFS permission). I think it is a pretty cool trail when it's accessible. Thanks and good luck with that project.

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 21:10:39 +0000

Yes I called the USFS in that area and got all the correct paperwork signed and sent back and on Sunday Oct. 19th spent 4 hours clearing the trail up to about .7 miles. I underestimated how long it would take to clear that thing. lol It seems completely gone in sections. I plan on going back up there weekly until I make it all the way to the end and the entire trail is visible again. Some of the blazes are on the ground as well and will need replacing as I go along but at least they are still there. The Sugar Creek trail may be next once the HITGMT is done.

By: Mike Newman

Mike Newman — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 01:42:49 +0000

In reply to Scott.

Scott,
–I would check with the Forest Service and get their okay before doing any trail maintenance.
–Actually, I just did the HITGM trail again a few weeks ago. Yes, it’s unfortunate how rough the condition of much of the trail is right now. There is a stretch that is a mile or so long that I think you were getting into that was very overgrown when I did it requiring quite a bit of bushwhacking and wading to get through. Then the last 1.5 miles or so has lots and lots of large dead trees lying across the trail. (My guess is that much is the result of recent ice storms.) Fortunately, it is pretty well blazed though.
–As long as the Forest Service approves, it would be great if someone was able to do some maintenance. There are some very nice views on the trail, particularly at the horseshoe bend and up at the higher areas. It would be great for it to be more accessible.
–I did the Sugar Creek Trail a few years ago. It’s one I need to get on the website soon.
Thanks for your comment! Mike

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 22:37:43 +0000

First off thank you for this website. Makes it a lot easier to find trailheads when all I have to do is type in my address and then drive to it based on your maps.
I was out here this morning and made it up to almost the 1 mile mark and turned around. The trail starts getting really overgrown around 1/2 mile or so and then it REALLY gets tall just under a mile. Some of the trees with blazes on them are on the ground and I got off trail slightly several times. I could see the next blaze but not the trail. I am waiting on a phone call from other trail volunteers to see if anyone wants to get with me and spend a day with some trimmers and chainsaws clearing it out. I really want to make it up that mountain. Definitely a challenge but not a bad as I thought it would be. I ended up taking the Sugar Creek Trail almost all the way to Knoppers Campground. Now THAT is an awesome trail with some really great views of the creek. I spent more time just sitting in the creekbed than walking the trails. Anyway, just thought I’d leave my 2 cents here and share some trail knowledge and thank you for your website.