The Trail
Nearest Town with Accommodations: Glenwood
Location: from Glenwood take Hwy. 70 west, watch for Hwy. 84 and take it going west. Stay on Hwy. 84 until you reach Athens then jump onto Hwy. 246 going west. Watch for Forest Road 38 and hang a right onto it. Go about a mile down and look for road 53800 and take a right onto it. On 53800 keep an eye out for Forest Road B23F and take a left onto it. Now just follow Forest Road B23F until you get to the Trail head. These are directions for the southern most trailhead, there are 3 other tail heads north of this one.
Type: Single track / out and back.
Distance: About 10 miles one way.
Summary: I have only ridden part of this trail doing the Brush Heap Mountain loop. It is on this trail going up Brush Heap that you will encounter one of the longest and steepest yet ride able climbs. The downhill on the other side of this long climb makes it worth the effort. We came in on the Viles Branch trail which is at the southern end of this trail. There are numerous creek crossings and some very scenic spots that can only be found in the back woods of this area. The trail is pretty much like most trails in the Ouachita's so expect plenty of rocks and roots. Some portions of the trail have a nice smooth flow to them, while other sections may put you on the ground if you are not careful. The terrain here is really varied, when you are down near the rivers the terrain is really rocky and flat, as you get away from the rivers the terrain gets a little smoother with bigger climbs and downhill's.
Recommended Route: Either direction would be ok to ride. You can start on the North side where there are two trailheads, one at Forest Road 815 just south of Country Road 36, and another on Forest Road 25. There are two trail heads to the south, one on Forest Road 106 and the other on Forest Road 53800.
When to ride: This trail is best ridden in the winter, spring and fall months. I have ridden parts of it during the summer and it gets a little covered with under growth in some sections, and parts of the big climb are on an exposed side of a mountain which can get very hot during the summer months. Bring plenty of water, food and electrolytes if you do this during the summer months.
Rating: There are really no bail outs and the only way back is to turn around, the terrain can be steep, rocky and technical and for these reasons I would rate this trail for the expert, intermediate and the advanced beginner. Do not attempt this trail unless you have some good endurance and good handling skills.
Other recommended trails in the area:
Brush Heap Mountain Loop,
Eagle Rook Loop, Little Missouri