The Trail
Nearest Town with Accommodations: Hot Springs / Mount Ida
Location: From Hot Springs take Hwy. 270 west for about 20 miles. After going through Crystal Springs watch for the Charlton Recreation area on your right. From Mount Ida take Hwy. 270 east for about 16 miles. Watch to your left for the Charlton Recreation area. If you decide to start at Crystal Springs just take the North Crystal Springs Road until you come to the camp grounds at which point watch to your left you should see a large pavilion the trail is behind this pavilion.
Type: Single track / out and back.
Distance: About 5 miles.
Summary: The Charlton is an out and back trail with trail heads at both the Charlton Recreation Area and the Crystal Springs Camping Area, you can start from either end, parking is available at both places. The trail does have lots of climbing involved as well as some nice downhill's so you should get your fill of both. It is very well maintained by the Forestry Service except where 4 wheelers may have gotten on the trail. It can be very technical in places especially on the big hill near Charlton. For the most part it is well packed and clean, some places can get a little rough and rocky but nothing that will have you hiking the bike. Some places can be fast and twisting and others can just be dogging, it has a little of this and that. For just 5 miles it has a lot to throw at you. It is a fun little ride that will give a good workout. It can be very technical in places. The climbs are sustained but not real hard pulls. The downhill's are fast and exciting. Remember this in an out and back so once you reach the end you have to turn around and head back unless you have a shuttle set up. There is a nice little spring about mid way down the trail on a dirt road that the trail cross's. If you want to get some nice cool, good tasting water this is it. If you finish up at Charlton you can take a nice cool plunge in the swimming hole there. The Charlton is conveniently located close to other big named trails like Womble, LOViT, and Cedar Glades you can spend days doing all these rides. This trail is part of the Ouachita Tour of Trails.
Recommended Route: I have ridden this trail from both directions and personally I like to start from Charlton and get the big climb out of the way. I think you do more climbing heading toward Crystal Springs, so I always like to get that done and over with.
When to ride: The Spring and Fall months are the best time of year to ride this trail, however any time is usually pretty good. During the summer the trail can get a little over grown in the exposed areas.
Rating: I would not rate this trail for a new beginner or novice rider. There is a lot of climbing out there and some sections require some good handling skills especially coming down into Charlton. Advanced and intermediate as well as advanced beginners should enjoy this ride.
Other recommended trails in the area: Little Blakely, Cedar Glades,
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, Womble