The Trail
Nearest Town with Accommodations: Glenwood
Location: Starting from Glenwood take hwy. 70 west, watch for hwy. 84 in Salem and take it going west. Stay on hwy. 84 until you reach Langley then hang a right onto hwy 369, going north stay on hwy 369 until you come to the Albert Pike Recreation area.
Type: Single track / out and back.
Distance: About 5 miles one way.
Summary: This is one of the most scenic rides you will ever do in the Ouachita's. There is so much to see out there that some times it is hard to keep your eyes on the trail. The trail starts off pretty tame at first as it rolls over some flat areas on its way to the Little Missouri River. As you get closer to the river the trail gets a little more rougher especially in the areas where the trail passes through places where the Little Mo has over flown its banks in times past. It will give way to some nice smooth single track as you progress farther. There are a couple of creek crossings but one in particular is a little tricky. If the Little Mo is running at even half strength then this crossing can be a memorable experience to say the least. Once you are past this creek crossing the trail takes on a whole new attitude. It will climb almost immediately up from the creek. From this point on you can expect to be ridding well above the little Mo as you slowly climb to the falls. The trail hangs precariously on the side of the mountains so if ridge riding is not your cup of tea you may not enjoy this section of trail. Overall there are some steep little climbs and only a couple of sustained pulls. The trail can be technical in places. Once you get to the falls you will see that this ride was well worth the effort. The falls are really a great scenic spot to stop and relax for awhile. If you ride from the camp grounds to the falls expect about a 6 mile trip one way and if you see a rock out there with a face imprint on it, well that would be mine. If you get the chance to take a camping trip at the Albert Pike Recreation Area there are more then enough trails out there to keep one busy for a weekend.
Recommended Route: From Albert Pike Recreation Area take Forest Road 73 going north. Follow this for about a mile. Watch to your right for the trail head sign. The trail is only about 5 miles long but adding the 1 mile ride on the road to the trail head comes out to around a 6 mile ride one way.
When to ride: This trail is best during the Spring and Fall months. Winter is ok but the creek crossings can be bad. The trail is usually in pretty good shape during the summer months as a lot of hikers take this trail.
Rating: We would suggest this trail for intermediates and advanced riders. Advanced beginners will probably do ok out here as well. This is not a trail for a novice rider. The climbs are not to bad. There are technical areas that require good bike skills but all these places can be walked. There are no bail outs.
Other recommended trails in the area: Womble, Earthquake Ridge, Rocky Bottoms, Twin Pines, Briar Creek, Brush Heap Mountain Loop, Eagle Rock