Will Apple’s Road Trail at Mount Magazine State Park, named for a Mount Magazine farmer, is one of the easier trails there. It is a former road that was a main route the early settlers during the 1800’s. It was one of the first roads to reach the crest.
The trail is still basically a dirt road, making it easy walking. It is a pretty gradual slope.
It connects the visitor center to the horse camp, and runs about 1.6 miles. The elevation change is just about 200 feet.
Getting to Will Apple’s Road Trailhead
The trailhead is well marked and is on the east side (right side) of the Visitor Center.
To get to Mount Magazine State Park, you can take Highway 309 south from Paris in Logan County. Highway 309 goes through downtown Paris. Follow the signs from downtown.
The park is about 17 miles from Paris.
If you’re coming from the south, head north on Highway 309 from Havana for about 10 miles.
The Trail
Don’t expect to see any vista views during leaf-on, but there probably are some pretty views to the north through the trees during leaf-off.
During warmer months, you will probably see wildflowers and butterflies.
A highlight of the trail is the remains of the Buckman Pool, built in the 1920’s. There is a sign for the spur (.1 miles) down to the pool.
Unfortunately, the spur was rather overgrown when I last visited. The pool area was interesting. It looked like a stone lined pond.
Final Notes
When I last visited the trail on July 23, 2016, it was well maintained and easy to follow. I had AT&T cell signal about 60% of the time.
These photos are from that hike.
Photo Gallery
Click below for full-screen photo gallery.
Map
Mount Magazine: Will Apple's Road Trail |
|
|---|---|
| Location | Mount Magazine State Park, Logan County, Arkansas |
| Length/Type | 3 miles out and back (1.5 mi. each way) |
| Difficulty | Mildly challenging (2 of 5) |
| Other permitted usage. | Pets on a leash. |
| Gpx file by Mike | Link |
| Date Hiked | July 23, 2016 (and earlier). |
| Directions | Google Maps Directions to Visitor Center Trailhead |
| Official Info (Links) | 501-321-5202 Website Park Trail Map (pdf) |
Last revised: 8-15-2021.
2 replies on “Mount Magazine: Will Apple’s Road Trail – 3 mi (o&b)”
Any apples? Just a name?
No apples to my knowledge.