OHT: Section 6-Ft.Douglas to Fairview

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

• Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT)

Fairview campground is free and has toilets & water.

Following the official naming of segments, number six is relatively popular as it passes through what many consider one of the most scenic spots in Arkansas: the Hurricane Creek Wilderness Area. A natural rock bridge is a highlight of the segment and the entirety of Hurricane Creek which you'll follow is full of boulders and pools of water year round.

You can bypass the scenic parts if you are in a hurry by taking the, ahem, bypass route but why? Well, all the scenic stuff does come with the price of more rough terrain and going down into the creek bed just to climb back out of it. But isn't that the way with the entire trail?

One thing to note about this segment is that it is not blazed hardly at all. Supposedly to keep it "pristine" I read somewhere. So, in the fall with a blanket of leaves or winter snowfall, it will be difficult to find the tread and keep on the trail. Also, the last 300 yards down into the creek and the crossing is not well marked. There is a little campsite on the creek before you cross though. The crossing is knee deep and the rocks are always VERY slippery. The trail is well marked from here on out. Be on the lookout for the natural bridge though!

At about mile marker 120, you'll enter into a giant boulder field rock garden. These are a spectacle in and among themselves. But be careful, as the trail is very rocky, and you'll be rock hopping for awhile.

At the end of this segment is Fairview campground. There is a toilet, a water hydrant, and a half-dozen campsites…. All free!

Fall colors on this trail are astounding. Best time is mid to late November. White oak, black gum, sweet gum elms, oaks, black jacks, and beeches among many others.

Deer, squirrels, birds (notably eagles, hawks, and owls), black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and even wolves are present along the entire trail