Bench Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking, Mountain Biking
- Length: 4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 2 - 4 hours
- Requirements: None
- Description
- As you drive up the mountain, you will notice an overlook shelter on the side of the road. This serves as the starting point to the Bench Trail, named so because it follows a natural narrow shelf that circles the entire mountain. In the early 1900s, this bench was a road. Toady, it is a path that travels through large tree woodlands, offering sights and sounds of native wildlife, and remnants of historic springs and stone from past resort developments. The trail is level for the most part, and offers great views from many points along the way.
- Additional Info
- Camping: Primitive campsites are located at intervals along this trail
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): Overlook shelter/Hwy 155
- Trail Markings:
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Rim Trail
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: 3½ miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2 - 4 hours
- Requirements: None
- Description
- The Rim Trail circles the top of the mountain, and provides access to many of the parks other trails. The original trail was blazed during the late 1800s, and was developed further by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The CCC added native stone to the path in the form of steps and retaining walls. 100 miles of views of the Arkansas River can be seen from the trail, including parts of the 1830s Trail of Tears water route, and Lake Dardanelle in the distance. The trail is accessible at the visitors center, as well as other points around the park.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s): Visitor Center
- Trail Markings: Yellow Blazes
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season:
Summit Park Trail
(National Recreation Trail)
- The Basics
- Type: Hiking
- Length: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: ½ hour - 1 hour
- Requirements: None
- Description
- Named for the Summit Park Hotel, built near the trailhead in 1889, this loop trail starts on the northwest side of the mountain. It follows the same path down to Fern Lake first used by guests of the old hotel. The CCC made some improvements on the trail in the 1930s, using beautiful stone work from native rocks. The Summit Trail intersects with the Bench Trail near Fern Lake. A self-guided brochure is available at the visitors center.
- Additional Info
- Camping: No
- Water: No water on trail
- Trail Head(s):
- Trail Markings:
- Pets Allowed:
- Recommended Season: