Hot Springs area hikes, floats, and mountain biking...

[philllll]

OK, so I'm thinking of taking my family over for thanksgiving in Hot Springs. Any suggested trails, hikes, climbs, fishing, and/or floats for that time of year?

thanks in advance.
phil

[Louiscov]

The whole Hot Spings area is a super family locale.

Many hiking trails are right in town & a good place to review some of them is: http://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/h ... s-list.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Garvin Gardens is a beautiful family hike: trails, waterfalls, beautiful woods, and a must see nightime lighted Christmas hike http://www.garvangardens.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; beginning Nov. 22. Highly recommended for families.

Drive 40 miles to Mt. Ida for some really nice mountain biking on the Womble trail. My boys grew up biking this trail and I've taken several father/son church groups ages 8 - 14 riding on it, especially from near River Bluff to Rocky Shoals. Very family doable.

Drive 55 miles to Albert Pike recreational area for terrific hikes, including Little Missouri Falls.

Canoeing if weather is appropriate is available from Ouachita Haven,
http://www.ouachitahaven.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Let me know and I'll PM more specifics if any of these sound interesting.

[David Mac]

I really like the Little Missouri hikes, it's well worth the exra drive down there, but.... be aware that there are multiple river crossings that involve wading shin deep (or more) on all but the shortest hikes.

Not an issue in the summer other than having to stop and take off your shoes, but with freezing temps at night the water will be pretty cold right now even if the afternoon air temps are decent.

[philllll]

perfect.

thanks.

[ODB]

For a few closer in activities:

Hiking - Lake Ouachita State Park or Lake Catherine State Park. Both have great trails and by checking the Web sites you may find some really good programs going on. As always no charge to visit an Arkansas State Park.

Mountain Biking - Cedar Glades Park has over 10 miles of great mountain bike trails practically in the city. Throw in some disc golf and you have a really fun day.

Floating - The Ouachita River from just below Remmel Dam to Rockport is a beautiful family easy float.

[c8mb]

digging crystals near jessieville can be a blast

[Donna]

If your children aren't too small and you are up to a moderate to strenous hike, check out the Blakely Trail System north of Lake Ouachita State Park. Portions are along the shoreline with beautiful views of the lake. Good chance of spotting a bald eagle too! A plethora of information on that and other ONF trails may be obtained for free at the Ouachita National Forest office in the Federal Building adjacent to Hill Wheatly Plaza (parking lot) in downtown Hot Springs.

Ditto on the suggestion to check out Cedar Glades Park for mountain biking.

For a short easy float, you can't beat Dragover on the Ouachita River west of Mt. Ida. No shuttle required!

Enjoy your visit to my town!

[ODB]

If your children aren't too small and you are up to a moderate to strenous hike, check out the Blakely Trail System north of Lake Ouachita State Park. Portions are along the shoreline with beautiful views of the lake. Good chance of spotting a bald eagle too! A plethora of information on that and other ONF trails may be obtained for free at the Ouachita National Forest office in the Federal Building adjacent to Hill Wheatly Plaza (parking lot) in downtown Hot Springs.

I understand that the Blakely Trails are in very bad shape. No work has been done since the spring storms. Just something I heard from some other mountain bikers.