184.8 to 187.4 - Nov 1, 2008

This was a dayhike, starting where the OT crosses FR #152 (mile 187.4), going to the North Fork Pinnacle spur trail at mile 184.8 and then returning the same way. It was a beautiful autumn day, with a slight breeze and temperature about 72F. At 2pm, when starting on the trail, the light was bright (too bright, high contrast). Later in the afternoon the light warmed and, combined with the yellow and red autumn leaves, the colors were fantastic.

At least in this part of the Ouachitas, this year, there isn't much red except for Blackgum trees, Common Sumac and a few Maple leaves. The Oaks are turning brown or yellow and Hickory tree leaves are deep yellow.

This section of the OT is almost entirely cut into the hillside and some of it is very nice. However, a substantial portion of this 2.6 mile section is also very rocky. There are some nice rock outcrops along the way.

As a dayhike, you can start at the Lake Sylvia parking lot, hike to the OT, turn right and hike to the North Fork Pinnacle spur, up to North Fork Pinnacle, back to the OT junction and return. Round trip its about 6 miles. Of course, North Fork Pinnacle can also be reached by a much shorter trail from the road.

The mileage listed on the signs is "rounded off" quite a bit. The sign at FR #152 says that North Fork Pinnacle spur is 3 miles, when its really 2.6 miles.