Ouachita Trail (section 09) mile 187.4 to 191.8 (multiple hikes)

This segment starts at the crossing of FR #152 and continues to the Hwy 9 trailhead.  There is a small place to park on FR152 (for about 1-2 cars) or you can park near Lake Sylvia and connect to the OT via a short spur trail. 

This segment of the OT is still in the mountains and winds through thick forest between FR152 and Nancy Mountain Shelter.  The photo on the right was taken at ~ mile 188.   In summer it can be jungle-like.

About 1.4 miles from FR152 (heading east) there is a trail junction where the OT meets the another trail heading to Lake Sylvia.  This is called Chinquapin Gap.   The Lake Sylvia trail system is great for dayhikes.  If you use this part of the OT it is possible to do several long loop hikes. 

The Nancy Mountain shelter is a typical OT shelter in a flat "saddle" area between the main ridge and Nancy Mountain.  There is no source of water up there.  The segment from Nancy Mountain Shelter to Hwy 9 is in a ravine called Hilary Hollow.   This also makes a nice dayhike from the Hwy 9 trail head.

The Ouachita Trail Guide describes the OT in great detail.  In addition, the Lake Sylvia Trails are detailed in Tim Ernst's books on dayhikes in Arkansas.

Below are links to descriptions and/or photos of several hikes in this segment.