OT section 9

This segment runs from Hwy 9 to Hwy 10, a total of about 10 miles.  There is no public access between the two highways.  Some maps show that access to the trail is possible where the OT crosses Duffy Road at mile 195.1.   However, Duffy Road is gated and locked.

Heading east from the Hwy 9 trailhead, the OT winds around in the mountains and then makes a beeline for Pipeline Creek.  Just before reaching Pipeline Creek, the trail leaves the mountains and for the next 9 miles or so will be mostly flat except for some rock outcrops and a few ups and downs.

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.

Section 9 of the Ouachita Trail - mile 187.4 to 202.   The first 5 miles or so of this section are in Ouachita National Forest.   The trail then runs on timber company land and then on Lake Maumelle watershed land.   Section 9 includes the following features:

Hike Features:

Date:  April 15, 2007
State: Arkansas
County: Pulaski
Location: OT between highway 9 and highway 10. 
Length of hike:  ~ 6.6 miles  (round trip)
Trail: All on-trail
GPS: none

 30 photos in OHJ Photo Gallery
Reaching Trailhead:     Trailhead is on highway 10 at the south end of the bridge crossing Lake Maumelle.    There is a parking area and park with picnic tables, etc.