| The Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail consists of two main
loops which offer 34.3 miles of the most scenic horseback riding, hiking,
ATV, and mountain biking opportunities in the Ozark National Forest. Deep
winding valleys framed by rugged mountain bluffs give way to clear
mountain streams.
The 22.4-mile Huckleberry Mountain Loop contains a 9.5-mile loop for
those seeking a shorter trail. The Apple Loop provides an 11.9-mile loop.
Each trail crosses several gravel roads, allowing you to plan trips from
one-half mile to 34.3 miles. Portions of the trail are located along old
logging roads and open forest roads.
The trail system meanders through numerous creeks and along several
ponds, which provide sources for watering horses. Pond locations not
adjacent to the trail are designated by signs and blue arrows on markers.
Bulletin boards are located at many trail access points. Positioned on
each board is a trail registration box. For monitoring purposes, please
sign the registration form only at the point of access.
Apple
Loop
The Apple Loop provides easy riding terrain along 11.9 miles of existing
forest roads and old logging roads. This is marked with yellow sign posts
and/or horseshoe-shaped paint marks on trees.
Primitive group camping and day-use parking is located at the Mt.
Magazine Camp just off Mt. Magazine Scenic Byway on Forest Road (FR)
1638. From this camp, the trail heads east down to and across
Arkansas
309. Please use caution when crossing the highway.
Huckleberry
Mountain
Loop
The Huckleberry Mountain Loop covers 22.4 miles of easy to more difficult
terrain. This trail is marked with orange sign posts and/or
horseshoe-shaped paint marks on trees. For beginners, the 9.5-mile loop
covering easier terrain is recommended.
Sorghum Hollow
Horse Camp - This is the
trailhead camp for the Huckleberry
Mountain Horse Trail System. Camping (15 family units) is
available, along with a pond for watering horses, vault toilet, and day
use-parking. There are no electrical hook-ups. The trail is open to OHV
(4-wheeler) use, hiking, and mountain biking. (Magazine Ranger District) From
Paris
, take
Arkansas
22 east for 10 miles. From Dardanelle, take Arkansas 22 west for 26 miles,
turn south on Sorghum Hollow Road (gravel) and go 4.7 miles, then turn
left into camp.
How Easy is the Trail?
Difficulty levels along the entire trail system range from easy to more
difficult. Elevation is indicated on the map at 100-foot intervals.
- Easy -- A trail requiring limited skill with
little challenge to travel.
- More Difficult -- A trail requiring some skill
and challenge to travel.
Riders need to be aware that high water levels make for dangerous
crossings along Shoal Creek. The crossings are easily negotiable at normal
water levels. Stay posted on weather forecasts so you will know what to
expect when crossing creeks. Exercise caution when riding on open forest
roads.
- Primary use is designed for travel by horse.
- Hiking, mountain bicycles, and ATV use is
permitted.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on closed
logging and forest roads.
- Camping is permitted along the trail but is
subject to general forest regulations.
- Horse riders are required to remove the hay and
manure from their campsites and parking area when vacating designated
campgrounds.
- When vacating your camp along the trail system,
riders are required to scatter the hay and manure from their site.
- From April to May, a portion of the Huckleberry
Mountain Loop is closed for turkey hunting and nesting/hatching
season. Contact the district office for specific dates and locations.
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