Mount Magazine

Mount Magazine State Park

Ozark National Forest

Mt. Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas at 2753' above sea level. The top of the mountain is in a state park, operated on Ozark National Forest land. There are several trails on top of the mountain, and one primary trail that climbs the mountain. From Cove Lake Trailhead, at the base of the mountain, it is 10.5 miles to the highest point, on Signal Hill. Most of the trail is in the Ozark Forest, except for the top of the mountain, above Cameron Bluff, which is in the state park. The trail can be done in either direction. Going from Cove Lake to high point is a long, strenuous climb, but awesome in beauty as you rise through the bluffs to great vistas.

Planning notes:

The State Park Visitors Center is about 1.5 hours from HSV.

There is no parking at the very top. If hiking uphill, leave a car at the Campground or at the lodge. If at campground, you will walk about a half mile past the car on way up, then backtrack to get it. If at the lodge, keep going past the high point for another 0.8 miles to car. There is room for about 2 - 3 cars at Cove Lake Trailhead.

Access Notes:

Take Hwy 309 from Havana (on hwy 10) to top of mountain and Visitors Center. use state park roads to mountain top trail heads. Cove Lake trailhead is at bottom of Mountain on the north (far) side, right on 309, about 10 mi North of Visitors Center.

For additional info:

Mount Magazine State park has very good topographical trail maps, available at VC.

Tim Ernst: "Arkansas Hiking trails" (p. 127)

Recent Hikes:

Mar 30, 2006 Leader: Marv Weitzenfeld 12 Hikers OMH Thursday

Route: From Cove Lake trailhead over Cameron Bluff to high point on Signal Hill; back down to car at campground.

10.5 miles Difficulty Rating 4 Scenic Rating 4

Mar 10, 2005 Leader: Marv Weitzenfeld 6 Hikers OMH Thursday

Route: From Cove Lake trailhead over Cameron Bluff to high point on Signal Hill; back down to car at campground.

10.5 miles Difficulty Rating 4 Scenic Rating 4

sss: Bluffs, rock formations, views along the way.

Beautiful day; started out about 30 deg, but ended up in 60's. Not a cloud in sky.

This is a long steep climb to the highest point in Arkansas

Dec 18, 2003 Leader: Rex Greer 16 Hikers OMH schedule

Route: Started at campground (on top), went to peak (via Signal Hill Tr); then all the way down Cove Lake Trail.

10.8 miles Difficulty Rating 3 Scenic Rating 4

sss: Views from the highest point in Arkansas, as well as from bluff lines along the trail.

Bluffs and rock formations themselves are spectacular.

Took the short, easy way up to Arkansas' highest point (2753'); then mostly down. Trail follows three different bluff lines for some beautiful vistas.

Cold, windy start, but mostly a perfect hiking day. Signal Hill Trail (to peak) = 1.5 mi (round trip); Cove Lake Trail = 9.3 mi

Mount Magazine AR Highest Point

Mount Magazine Bluffs