My third hike of section 6 of the Ouachita Trail (maps 17-19).  I actually went west-bound, from AR-298 to AR-27, and used the shuttle services of Bluebell Cafe so it was a one-way trip this time. It was so nice to get to the end and not have to turn around and hike all the same stuff again in the other direction to get back to my car.

Once again I turned what was intended to be a one-nighter into a day hike.  This time though, it was only about 17 miles so not extreme like last time.  I did try to make it a casual hike but I can’t keep my pace slowed down without thinking about it constantly and my mind just wanders too much.

Whichever direction you go, there are three climbs, with Sandlick Mountain being the biggest.  Water-wise, there is a small creek at about mile 124.3, Irons Fork Creek near the middle at about 128.8, and the North Fork of the Ouachita River at 138.5 – near the AR-298 trail head.  There are also three shelters along the way.

This section doesn’t have much scenery other than Irons Fork Creek.  I think there are only two places with much of a view, and what you see from there is mountains undulating into the hazy distance.  Mind you, I still get a bit of a thrill from that.