Lake Ouachita Vista Trail Adds More Miles

Zoie Clift, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

A new leg of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, or as it is affectionately known by its acronym- the LOViT- is now open.

The trail is being created with a specific goal in mind: as a means for people to enjoy the beauty of Lake Ouachita without being in or on the water. “Visitors can now integrate hiking and biking with planned activities on the lake thereby expanding their Lake Ouachita experience,” said Jerry Shields, president of the Traildogs, a group of volunteers who provide support in the design, planning, and construction of the route.

Shields said around 23 miles are currently open. The new section ties to the old Charlton Trail. When completed, the route will include around 40 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along the shores of the lake. LOViT, which is being built in stages, is a joint effort of many groups in the area to link the resorts and campgrounds around the lake together via a trail system. It meanders through the Ouachita National Forest with spurs providing lake vistas and a more challenging hike up to the top of Hickory Nut Mountain for a view of the lake. Five phases of the trail are now complete.

“This is a huge addition to the state and area,” said Bill Barnes, owner of Mountain Harbor Resort in Mount Ida. “Hikers, bikers, and marathon runners use it…people from all over the nation. The lake attracts people when seasonal warm weather hits and the trail draws people in the fall, winter and spring. It’s the best of both worlds.”

So what makes this route stand out from others? “Accessibility,” said Shields. “Our design of connecting all the resorts and campgrounds on the south side of Lake Ouachita provides easy access to every section of the trail and the accommodations along the length of it.”

Shields said the route is designed for all levels and attracts a wide range of users. Parts of the trail are handicapped accessible and groups ranging from adventure racers to hiking groups make use of the varied terrain. The route is also sanctioned by the International Mountain Biking Association. “Biking groups from all over the country who often visit our area to ride the Womble Trail have now added the LOViT and are extending stays in the area to ride both,” he added.

No matter what mode is used to explore the terrain, the main goal is to introduce all users to the beauty of the area. “My personal favorite sections of the trail are three and four which are located on the south side of Hickory Nut Mountain,” said Shields. “We purposely took the trail across the top of this mountain to include the stunning views of Lake Ouachita that are only found at the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista.”

The construction of LOViT is being developed via a collaborative effort between volunteers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Forest Service.

“For the last five years we have constructed four to five miles each winter,” said Shields. “I think it’s important folks know the development of this trail system is the effort of a coalition of federal, state and local organizations put together by a small group of local volunteers who had a vision and have worked for five years to bring this to fruition.”

According to Barnes, the expanse of the collaboration the Traildogs were able to pull together stands out. “Everybody stepped up to the plate,” said Barnes. “All for the spirit of building this.”

Barnes said plans for the next leg of the route are to go from Crystal Springs to Brady Mountain, which encompasses the largest section of uninterrupted wilderness on the trail. He said finishing this last section will take around 2-3 years. “This will be the most difficult section,” he said. “Not physically building it but getting it laid out and the environmental assessment on it.”

Barnes said though the last leg will be a challenging section to complete, he is confident in the development efforts to finish LOViT.

“Everything about this trail, the volunteers that put it together, the opportunity for folks to enjoy the forest…it’s been great. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”