Black Fork Mountain Trail

Ouachita National Forest/ Black Fork Mountain Wilderness (AR)

Blackfork Mountain is the ridge just north of Rich Mountain, across hwy 270 from Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The trail uses a mile of Ouachita Trail to get started, then turns west and climbs into the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness. It is a steep climb, but with stunning panoramic views. It passes a large rock glacier and up to a hilltop with ancient scrub oaks. The trail passes some historic sites, including an old homestead dating to the late 1800's pioneer days.

Planning notes:

This is an 'out and back' route, almost twelve miles total. Use OT trailhead on hwy 270 at foot of Rich Mountain.

This is almost a two hour drive from Hot Springs. Makes a long day -- or can be used in conjunction with an overnight.

Plan to have lunch on top.

Access Notes:

Park at the Ouachita Trail trailhead on US270 West, across from Rich Mountain. Depart trailhead on "OT" (eastbound: miles 57.8 - 56.7) for about a mile; then take left fork at signed intersection to Black Fork Mt.

For additional info:

USFS Trail Map (available at ranger stations; see link on trails index page)

Tim Ernst: "Arkansas Hiking Trails" (p. 137)

Recent Hikes:

Sept 29, 2005 Leader: Glen McClain     14 Hikers OMH Thursday

Route: Hwy 270 (OT trailhead) east on OT to Black Fork Mt Trail; up to trail end and back.

12.0 miles Difficulty Rating 4 Scenic Rating 4

sss: Rock Glacier

Vistas of Rich Mt from on top

Beautiful clear day; first cool day of season (72 high today; 92 yesterday).

Found the old stone chimney of pioneer site; but not cemetery.

Last couple miles near top in very bad shape. Badly overgrown and thick with briars. OT section was best maintained portion of hike !!

Jan 22, 2004 Leader: Billy McMillen     13 Hikers OMH Overnight

Route: Hwy 270 TH. Followed OT eastbound for a mile; turned west and climbed to Black Fork Mountain; Returned by same route.

11.6 miles Difficulty Rating 4 Scenic Rating 4

sss: Rock Glacier

Views of Rich Mountain and surrounding area

Steep climbs; awesome vistas; rock glacier; old homestead (stone chimney); scrub oaks that look a million years old (at 4 feet tall).

Overnight notes:
    Last minute reschedule of trip due to high water in Little Missouri. Swapped Jan and Feb trips. Second day went to "Shin Bone Trail".
Qu. Wilhelmina SP Lodge / Rich Mountain Campground.  Kenny's campfire; Charline's stew idea (Andre stirring); Maria's cobbler.