Maps and Places

I know I should have been able to find the answer to this somewhere on this site, but I couldn't. I usually use Trail Hankies for my maps, but they do not make one for the ERL (or at least that I could find ).
I need a good map, that is almost indestructible, for the ERL. Where is a good place for me to get one for the ERL, plus other places in the state?

I also have worked it out with Amanda to do more Solo's this year, and instead of doing the same old stuff, I need 5-6 new places that would be 50+ miles, even if they are not a loop, I can always backtrack to the truck.

#1 on my list is the ERL (Plan on doing it twice, once in each direction )
#2 Some Eastern section of the OHT (Already have map of)
#3 Any part of the Ouachita Trail (Already have a map of this too)

Shoot me some suggestions, I know you all are full of great ideas.

Off the top of head, I'd say any wilderness area that the OT passes through. The Kiamichi in Oklahoma was very scenic during a spring hike through there. Also the Flatside Wilderness was nice especially the view from Flatside Pinnacle.

If you are looking for that many miles on a hiking trail in Arkansas, then the OHT and OT are your only choices, other than to do the Eagle Rock twice like you are talking about, or doing the Buffalo River Trail out and part way back. Everything else would involve quite a bit of road walking. If you are just trying to get out and put in some tough miles then bushwhacking through any of the wilderness areas, or simply across either national forest would give you plenty of challenge - that's the way we always used to hike here before there were constructed trails. That would make a man out of ya, or send you home to mamma....

Otherwise if you only want to hike on trail then you need to head north and do some sections of the Ozark Trail - they have quite a bit completed.

Dwight,

As far as maps go have your checked THIS out for the ERL. You can order the maps from Charlie
and they are printed on write in rain paper. Very water proof. I have one of his maps for the
Caney Creek Wilderness and it is of very high quality. He also has maps for most of the AR trails
plus others. He also has trip mileages for the trail both clockwise and counter clockwise. Very
handy even if you don't get a map from him. Another very good map and a free one at that
can be found HERE You can print it off and then have it laminated.

Just some ideas...

OH,

Thanks for the links, they are VERY useful!!!

I will be trying to stay away from the Buffalo while I am soloing this year. I will take the boys there, but I have already conquered it, and don't want to try to beat my record . I have thought about finishing the OHT this year, but by myself I would have to put in some serious miles to keep backtracking to the truck, not that it wouldn't be fun. I also want to stay in Arkansas, especially since I only have Thursday to Saturday to do these in. Thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming.

Preacha, you could do the North Sylamore Trail and connect with the OHT Sylamore Section to the Spring Cr. TH. Off the top of my head that's about 36 miles one way.

Was surprised you didn't know about the maps on Ouchita Maps. Great resource, since I'm cheap! Just print off two copies, stick one in your pocket, if it rains put it in a ziploc. Put the spare in your pack. Instant waterproof map!

I don't know how they will hold up in the long term but I have often printed of maps and taken
it to our library and had them to laminate them. So far they are fine..

I have always used trail hankies and they have worked well for the OHT, BRT, Quachita, and Devil's Den. I like them because I always have a bandana with me and its my map too. The down side to them is that they are not to scale and do not offer elevation all the time.

How about hiking along the Buffalo from the Hwy. 21 bridge in Boxley up to Hwy. 16 at Red Star, which would take you through both wilderness areas and would be a great hike? Or have you already "conquered" that section too? The length is only 22 miles but it would probably take you at least three days or perhaps even longer to complete it. The Sylamore trails are a great idea too...

Do you mean hiking the highway itself, or is there a trail that way? 22 miles wouldn't be to bad, and if it is 44 miles round trip that would be neat.

I have really been looking at the Sylamore Trail, and it will more than likely go on my list.

No, I'm talking about following the river up through the middle of both wilderness areas - there is no trail and no road - about 22 miles one way according to the map, give or take. It would be a great hike but probably take longer than three days - pretty tough hiking...

that would be tough hiking without a trail, but you are right about it being a great hike.

I have made this hike twice (once solo). It is rough in places but doable. You have to cross the river several times. Watch the water levels and temperatures. Great trip