The Trail
Nearest Town with Accommodations: Mount Ida / Mena
Location: From Mount Ida take Hwy. 270 going north for about 15 miles. The Big Brushy Recreation Area will be on your left. From Mena take Hwy. 71 north going toward Fort Smith. At Y City hang a right onto Hwy. 270 heading toward Hot Springs and go for about 15 miles. The Big Brushy Recreation Area will be on your right.
Type: Single track / out and back.
Distance: About 6.5 miles one way.
Summary: Starting from the Recreation area you will have some climbing to do right off the get go. There is a lot of climbing on this trail so be prepared. The trail itself is about what you would expect for the Ouachita's. Lots of rocks and a few little tricky spots but it is all rideable. The climb up is not a sustained climb, the trail dips down into small valley's and then climbs back out numerous times. The climbs can be steep at times but the downhill's are equally breathtaking. There are some really great scenic areas along the way especially if you get on the trail in the morning. Big Brushy is actually part of the Ouachita Trail that runs from Oklahoma to Little Rock. Unlike some area's of the Ouachita Trail that are not biker friendly, this section is a real gem and can be ridden almost any time of the year. If you are in the area and want a real challenge you need to put this trail on your list. Big Brushy is part of the Ouachita Tour of Trails.
Recommended Route: Starting at the Recreation Area head down Forest Road 6. You will cross an old bridge and to your right you will see some steps going up to the trail. You can take this trail if you want it has some really nice sections or you can go on down Forest Road 6 a few more yards and you will see a trail off to your right with a steep little climb. You can go either way, both trails come out at the same place. Just stay on the main trail heading west. After about 6.5 miles you should come to a road that T's which is Forest Road 48. The Ouachita Trail continues on across the road. You can turn around here and head back down the trail, head on down the Ouachita Trail for more riding, or you can turn left onto Forest Road 48 and take it until you come to the first dirt road to your left. Turn left onto Forest Road 6 and take this back to the Recreation Area.
Rating: This trails is not for the novice or new beginner. Some beginners may find the climbs a little daunting. Unless you have a little bit of fitness in your background I would not attempt this trail. Most advanced, intermediate and advanced beginners should do ok out there.
Other recommended trails in the area: Womble, Earthquake Ridge, Briar Creek Forun Gap, Rocky Bottoms, Lake Ouachita Vista