Athens Big Fork Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a very steep and rocky trail. There are few switchbacks, so you'll basically be running a direct route up and down the mountains.

Rather than running east to west along creek beds like other trails on the Caddo Ranger District, this trail heads north to south across the mountains. Crossing eight mountains, the trail is considered extremely strenuous.

Trail features include spectacular views of the Ouachita Mountains from such high points as Eagle Rock Vista, Brushheap Mountain and Hurricane Knob. A mystical cave, located 35 feet below the trail on the south side of Brushy Mountain and a geologic outcropping, located 150 feet south of the highest point on Brushy Mountain, add to the visitors experience.

This trail is an old postal route. Therefore, there are very few switchbacks. Expect steep grades. Water is plentiful as there are creeks in each valley.

The best spot to view wildflowers and wildlife are on top of Eagle Rock Vista (the top of the southern most mountain of the trail).