Top 10 Outdoor Pursuits

 

Difficulty: Easy           Hiking Time: 20-30 minutes*       Experience Time: As long as you wish

Many people take advantage of the bluff for hammocking and relaxing.  However, many people don’t know there is actually a hiking trail from campus.  From main campus, walk the sidewalk North up 8^th St.  When you get to the intramural fields you have two options:  1) Walk through the grass by the intramural fields and soccer field.  Keep going north and the trees will close in and lead you to a trail that goes up the bluff.  Take caution as this trail is thrilling and steep.  Once you reach the top of the trail, turn right and walk along the bluff edge to reach the main DeSoto Bluff.  2)  Follow 8^th St past Carter Rd, where it turns into Phelps Cir.  After you pass 3 houses on your right there will be an OBU Property sign.  Turn right on the trail here and follow it to and up the easy hillside.  Once you reach the top of the hill turn right to reach the main DeSoto Bluff.

 

Difficulty: Easy                           Travel Time: 10 min         Experience Time: As long as you wish

This 400-acre lake is a peaceful getaway for anyone looking to catch some fish.  Take Lower Dam Pike out of Caddo Valley to its terminus at the Lower Dam Park.  This location allows you to fish the Caddo River below the dam or the lake above.  You can fish from the bank or rent a canoe from RecLife.  Take some time to take in the scenery and look for the abundant waterfowl.

Difficulty: Easy           Travel Time: 45 min         Experience Time:  2-3 hours

Park at the main trailhead in the campground and there is a variety of trail options.  One great option is the Falls Branch Trail.  Follow the red blazes ​for this 2-mile round trip trail.  Walk the trail counter-clockwise and the 10 foot waterfall will be near the end

Difficulty: Hard          Travel Time: 1.5 hour                      Experience Time: 1-3 days

There are many great day hikes on this loop, including the section of trail near Little Missouri Falls, but there is nothing more powerful than backpacking the entire 26 mile loop.  The North East portion of the trail is a gentle walk along the Little Missouri River while the Western side goes up and over several peaks and ridges.  A great way to hike the trail is to park at the Winding Stairs trailhead and hike clockwise.  This allows the hiker to end with the less difficult portion of the hike.  Contact RecLife for information on rental gear for this trip.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate     Travel Time: 45 min         Experience Time: 1-2 hours

Hot Springs National Park has some great hiking trails just behind Bathhouse Row.  From the cascade and thermal pool at the North end of Bathhouse Row take the stairs up to the Grand Promenade.  Follow signs for the Peak Trail.  There is some route finding involved, but look for the signs and, when in doubt, head uphill.  The trail finishes at the top of Hot Springs Mountain.  From here you can go up the Observation Tower for $7 per person or walk to the East side of the ridge for some free views.  To lengthen your hike you could take the Hot Springs Mountain Trail or you can head back down.  Return on the Shortcut and Dead Chief Trail to make this a 1.5 mile hike ending on the Grand Promenade.  As you walk along the Grand Promenade, think about all the people who used to walk along that path after a soak in one of the bathhouses.  Finish with an après hike drink at Kollective Coffee  and Tea.

 

 

Difficulty: Easy to Difficult                     Travel Time: 20 min         Experience Time: 1-4 hours

This set of trails is rated #2 in Arkansas, so don’t miss out.  The 16 miles of trail is broken into 5 colored trails that can be done as loops or linked together for a longer ride.  The 5-mile long white trail is the easiest and has great views of Lake Degray.  For some great hill climbing and descending try the yellow trail.  There are several trailheads to access the trails.  The white trail can be accessed at the Upper Mountain Trailhead on Skyline Drive about 3 miles west of Hwy 7.  The yellow trail can be accessed from the Spillway Trailhead about 1-mile on Skyline Drive about 1 mile west of Hwy 7.  Contact RecLife to rent mountain bikes for your adventures.

Difficulty: Easy           Travel Time: 10 min*

Experience Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

Fall is a great time to canoe the Caddo River from the Lower Dam to Caddo Valley.  You can rent canoes from RecLife and put in at the Lower Dam Boat Ramp.  The water level is low right now so it makes for a relaxing float.  Be sure to follow the main channel or you might become grounded on a gravel bar.  Contact the RecLife Director about renting a canoe and if you ask nicely he might even let you use the access at his house as a take-out point.

 

DeGray Lake is great place to camp and enjoy God’s creation. The State Park has a campground and the Army Corps of Engineers has several camping options to choose from. Prices range from $16-23 for paid sites. The Corps has a free campsite on the North side of the lake called Lenox Marcus. The location can be found with a quick search in Google Maps. Visit the CRAG to rent your gear to make it an amazing trip!

Difficulty: Easy           Travel Time: 5 min walk                 Experience Time: 1-2 hours

This paved trail leads from North Campus all the way through town to the Medical Center.  It is 2 miles one-way and offers a great chance to get out and walk outside.  To reach the beginning of the trail walk up 8^th St from Main Campus.  As you approach the football stadium you will notice a paved sidewalk on the South side of the parking lot.  If you take this to the right the trail will lead around the North side of the Maintenance building to the Ouachita River and the end of the trail.  If you take it left it will lead you all the way to the Medical center.  The trail follows a creek much of the way and goes through several parks as well.  Note that to cross 10^th St you must walk up the road embankment and cross the road.

Difficulty: Easy                           Travel Time: Varies                          Experience Time: 1-2 hours

There are several great disc golf courses in the area and RecLife offers free rentals of disc golf equipment.  The closest course is on North Campus near the Intramural and Soccer Fields.  The first tee is right near the Intramural Field parking lot.  One of the last holes is missing so just play on.  Another great course to play is at the Lower Dam Park in Caddo Valley.  This course offers a variety of open greens and tree-holes.
The first tee is near the bathrooms.  This course is about 10 minutes from campus.  Double that drive and you can play at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.  This course begins at the State Park Visitor Center.