I couldn’t have asked for better weather to complete section 6 of the Ouachita Trail – a 17.1-mile stretch from AR 27 to AR 298 (miles 121.7 to 138.8 [and back to 121.7 for shuttle-less me]). I expected to see lots of other people out taking advantage of the sunny 65-degree days but there was just one day hiker.
I guess the main highlight of this section is Irons Fork Creek. Much of the trail runs along two ridges with the creek separating them. The higher elevations have been devastated by a couple big storms, leaving little in the way of a canopy, shade, or decent camp sites. The trail has since been cleared and is in surprisingly good shape.
I got my first sighting of wild pigs – 2 adults and 2 piglets – and managed to snap some pictures in a hurry but they blend too well with the underbrush to find them now.
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- Uncle Bill Potter shelter
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- The view of Irons Fork Creek from the Uncle Bill Potter shelter
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- Foot & bike bridge over Irons Fork Creek
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- Irons Fork Creek – upstream
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- Irons Fork Creek – downstream
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- Irons Fork Creek – upstream
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- Gnarled oak with spanish moss
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- North Fork of the Ouachita River – from the AR 298 bridge.
The Compulsive Hiker 
I am planning a “round the lake” loop using a portion of the ONRT (hwy 27 to 7) along with the LOVIT and Womble for a bikepacking trip. Your info on the ONRT along with pictures has been more helpful than you could imagine. Thanks for blogging.
You’re welcome! I did some recon of the Womble and LOViT in September and expect I’ll make some trips there soon. My general impression of the LOViT is that it might not be very backpacker-friendly with the western third having a lot of area where primitive camping isn’t possible and the middle and eastern parts not having much water available. I might have to do this one as a bunch of day hikes.