Charlton Trail

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting from the Charlton Recreation Area, cross the creek and just past the swimming hole is the trailhead. You'll start your run going up a sometime steep and rough climb. Once at the top, it is mostly small climbs and descents. Start your descent down the mountain with some swooping trail until you arrive at Pipe Springs.

Pipe Springs is just that, a pipe coming out of the hillside that is always flowing. Cross the dirt road here and you are back on the Charlton Trail as it overlaps with the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail. This section was the Charlton Trail long before the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail was even thought of, but since the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail has come through, this section of trail is very well maintained.

You'll have a creek crossing and then start a short, mostly mild, climb up the hill. Once at the top it descends to Crystal Springs Recreation Area.

This can be done as an out-and-back, shuttle or use Hwy 270 to make a loop.