Lake Sylvia Loop
Ouachita National Forest (AR)

This is a five-mile loop with several variations for Saturday hikes. The basic loop starts at Lake Sylvia campground and goes south to meet the Ouachita Trail (Sect 9). It follows the trail for 1.4 miles eastward, then heads back toward the lake. A short (0.4 mile) spur on the northbound leg goes up to Chinquapin Overlook. This is a steep climb, but a beautiful spot during leaf-off. About 1/4 mile past spur to Chinquapin overlook are two inner loops. A right turn at this intersection leads to the dam and shortest return route. A left turn at this intersection leads to another beautiful overlook and view area. To finish the loop, take the right fork at either of the next two intersections and come down above Lake Sylvia dam. A short spur at the dam leads to a lookout above the dam and great views of the cliffs and the canyon, which typify Ouachita Mountain geology. Trail follows the lake past the campground and swimming dock, and back to cars. Each of the intersections provides an alternate loop back to the trailhead, with wildlife interpretive signs, for those who need variety.

Planning notes:

Wintertime is best for views; there is no significant view from overlook after leaf out.
This makes a good "Hike and Swim" in late spring.
Drive from HSV East Gate is about 45 minutes.

Access Notes:

Drive to Lake Sylvia recreation area via Hwy 9 and CR 324. CR 324 is just north of hwy 9 and hwy 10 merger. Coming into Lake Sylvia, go past the campground to last parking area on your left. An interpretive nature trail (Trees of the forest) goes off directly from parking lot. The main trail is across the road from parking lot.

For additional info:

US Forest service map available.
Tim Ernst: Arkansas Hiking Trails (p. 149)

Recent Hikes:

Feb 11, 2006     Leader:   Ken Schultz 8 Hikers     OMH Saturday

Route:   From TH to OT, east on OT to Chinquapin gap; continue to Nancy Mt shelter and return; northon Lake Sylvia Loop to inner Chinquapin loop, past overlook, to dam and return.
5.7 miles     Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating  4
sss:   Snow in forest; view from overlook; rock formations at dam; canyon below dam
Lake Syliva is full again !!! (first time in over a year)
Cold, snowy day. There was a slight coating of snow in the forest - very pretty
Five hikers took a side trip to the recently completed Nancy Mt shelter.

Oct 8, 2005 Leader:   Ken Schultz (big crowd) Hikers OMH Saturday

Route:   Clockwise   loop
4.5 miles Difficulty Rating 2 Scenic Rating  3
Lake still very low

Apr 28, 2005 Leader:   Rex Greer 3 Hikers OMH Thursday

Route:   Clockwise loop; starting with the climb
4.1 miles Difficulty Rating  3 Scenic Rating  3
We did the hike clockwise, instead of the usual counter-clockwise. It was a good hike this direction, because you get the climb out of the way first, but you miss the dramatic effect of descending above the dam. Hike took 2:15 minutes.
This hike was scheduled to be on the Boy Scout trail, Burns Park, Little Rock, but do to the low turn out and threat of rain, it was changed to Lake Sylvia.

Jun 12, 2004 Leader:   Jim Gifford 8 Hikers OMH Saturday

Route:   Full Loop from TH, including spur to Chinquapin Overlook
4.2 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating  3
Season finale. Intended as Hike & Swim, but only two stayed for lunch at lake and only hike leader swam.

Jan 31, 2004 Leader:   Maria McClead 20 Hikers OMH schedule

Route:   Counter-clockwise loop; including trip to overlook
4.5 miles Difficulty Rating 2 Scenic Rating     3
sss:   Awesome view from Chinkapin Peak
Beautiful day; view from overlook the best I have seen. We could see Flatside Pinnacle, Forked Mt, Ouachita Pinnacle, and Pinnacle Mountain.

Sep 7, 2002 Leader:   Harry Thomas ?? Hikers OMH Saturday

Route:   Hike and swim; loop plus trip to Chinquapin Overlook
5.0 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating  4
Great day for hiking and swimming

Jun 13, 2002 Leader:   Mike Moriarty ?? Hikers OMH Saturday

Route:   Hike and Swim; loop trail including trip to Chinkapin overlook
5.0 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating  4
sss:   Cliffs at dam
Swimmin' with lots of kids

Apr 18, 2002 Leader:   Martha Doty, Task Master           ?? Hikers Trail Maintenance

Route:  General trail maintenance
5.0 miles Difficulty Rating  4 hours
General clearing of entire trail; cleaned interpretive signs on lower loops; created rock crossing in lower wet section near lakes

Mar 16, 2002 Leader:   Martha Doty Hikers OMH Saturday

Route:   Full loop plus spur to Chinquapin summit; Includes 1.4 miles of OT
5.0 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating  4
sss:   Chinquapin Overlook
            Cliffs, rock formations around dam
Steep climb to Chinquapin summit, but worth it