Hunt's Loop

Ouachita National Forest (AR)

Hunt's Loop is a four-mile hike, completely within the Ouachita National Forest. Just north of Jessieville, Hunt's Loop is our closest National Forest Trail for Saturday hikers. From the trailhead at Iron Spring Recreation (picnic) area, the trail crosses a broad creek (on a bridge) and then forks to take the loop in either direction. Going clockwise, the trail climbs steeply up Short Mountain, gaining 600 feet in just over half a mile. The climb is rewarded by a broad vista into the Ouachita Mountains. The trail then follows the ridge line to the north for a mile or so, until intersecting the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. A left turn at this intersection takes you 159 miles toward (and into) Oklahoma. Hunt's loop turns right, down the Ouachita Trail to its hwy 7 trailhead, past some interesting rock formations, and then follows the creek back to Iron Springs.

Planning notes:

There a a variety of ways to conduct this hike; with two trailheads on a loop that trail that can done in either direction. Large groups can start/stop at same location and go in opposite directions. The most popular route is described above - starting at Iron Springs (nearest TH) and proceeding clockwise. This route starts with the climb and gets it out of the way.

The picnic area at Iron Springs is a great location for an after hike picnic, weenie roast, etc. Facilities include covered picnic tables, charcoal grills, and restrooms. Handled our crowd of 31 with no problems.

This is a great fall hike with good view of color. Vista is best in winter.

Access Notes:

Iron Springs is about five miles north of Jessieville Ranger Station on west (left) side of AR 7. Large paved parking area.

The Ouachita Trail TH is a mile farther north on hwy 7, same side. Large, paved parking area; no other facilities.

For additional info:

Tim Ernst "Arkansas Hiking Trails" (p. 146)

Jessieville Ranger District (See USFS map link on trails index page)

Recent Hikes

May 6, 2006 Leader: Loretta Melancon 12 Hikers OMH Saturday

Route: Hwy 7 trailhead clockwise

4.0 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

Jan 26, 2006 Leader: Marv Weitzenfeld 19 Hikers OMH bonus

Route: Hwy 7 OT TH clockwise to Irons springs, up the hill, across the ridge and down OT.

4.2 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

Good turn out for replacement hike for cancelled Thursday schedule event.

Oct 29, 2005 Leader: Guy and Pat Yates 38 Hikers OMH Saturday

Route: Clockwise from Iron Springs (or vice versa)

4.3 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

sss: Views from Short Mountain Vista

Guy split the group and went opposite directions; Jim G led one group; Don B the other.

Beautiful day for hike and the "Halloweenie Roast" that followed at Iron Springs. Guy & Pat provided the hot dogs. Big turn out enjoyed it all.

For the third time this fall, the Ouachita Trail portion of a hike stood out as the best maintained part of the trail. Thank You "Friends of the Ouachita Trail" !

Apr 30, 2005 Leader: Ken Schultz 15 Hikers OMH Saturday

Route: Clockwise from Iron Springs Rec Area

4.3 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

Fresh blazes on OT portion, compliments of "Friends of the Ouachita Trail".

Oct 30, 2004 Leader: Guy Yates 31 Hikers OMH Saturday

Route: Split crowd and went opposite direction from Iron Springs Rec Area (largest group went clockwise; climb first)

4.3 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

sss: View from Short Mountain Vista

Very wet trail after heavy rains; creek at Iron Springs running better than most old hikers could remember.

Followed hike with Halloweenie Roast; hike leader (and wife) provided hot dogs and amenities.

Jan 24, 2004 Leader: Marv Weitzenfeld 14 Hikers OMH schedule

Route: Clockwise from hwy7 OT TH; south to Iron Springs, then up the hill, and back to OT intersection

4.3 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 2

Marv's first "Official" hike leader outing.

14 hikers, including three new members; Gray dreary morning; mist, but no rain 'til we were off the trail. Lunch at Shack after.

Oct 25, 2003 Leader: Mike Zeller ?? Hikers OMH schedule

Route: Clockwise loop from Iron Springs

4.3 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 3

Beautiful day for our pre-Halloween weenie roast at Iron Springs after hike. Could have been a little cooler.

Jim led the hike for Mike, who was feeling slow and set up the fire for weenies instead.

Bone dry creeks throughout; some fall color.