Arkansas needs a long trail

[Silverback_WK2]

I used to live in Georgia, and they have the Traverse and now the GAT.
Now that I'm moved back to Arkansas, we need a long route across the state. I know the TAT runs through Arkansas, but that's just part of a larger trail system. I think it'd be cool to do something south to north or east/west utilizing county roads, fire roads, and forest roads. I know there will be the occasional paved road/highway, but I'd like to keep it as much "back roads and dirt roads" as possible.

I think I'm going to try to start planning it out if any of you'd like to chime in, maybe suggest some points of interest?

 

[Anubix00]

If you get a good route I’d be super interested to see it. I’m in southern Louisiana and we don’t have much of anything. If Arkansas had a lengthy trail, that sure would be closer than driving to New Mexico

 

[theBROFESSOR]

Problem is that we have 2 National Forests and most trails and dirt roads run from east to west. There are many good trails, but linking them all together really doesn't get you anywhere or from point A to point B. They mainly just all connect to each other or take you from highway to highway. You can wind your way down from Ozarks to Ouachitas but there is not much in between. Interested to see what you come up with.

 

[Silverback_WK2]

Problem is that we have 2 National Forests and most trails and dirt roads run from east to west. There are many good trails, but linking them all together really doesn't get you anywhere or from point A to point B. They mainly just all connect to each other or take you from highway to highway. You can wind your way down from Ozarks to Ouachitas but there is not much in between. Interested to see what you come up with.

Starting to notice that, too.
There's going to end up being some paved roads, but keeping major highways and interstates to a minimum.

 

[Silverback_WK2]

I've decided on a start point. It's a travel plaza that will have fuel, snacks, drinks etc etc etc before starting.
It's at Wild Bill's Travel Center on Hwy 65 south of Branson Mo near the Arkansas and Missouri border. GPS 36.500870, -93.222721

I'm looking at some ending points at the south side of the state now. Probably south of Texarkana, AR.

 

[SomeGuyNamedPaul]

New guy here. Did you find the answer to your trail? I would love to know what you came up with.

 

[Silverback_WK2]

Not yet. Really haven't messed with it any. Between kids, work, holidays.......anyway, yeah, I'll work on routing more soon.

 

[SomeGuyNamedPaul]

Maybe this will be of use.
Ouachita National Forest Maps
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/index.php?threads/Ouachita-National-Forest-Maps.21413/

 

[SomeGuyNamedPaul]

I found another handy tool. (If you already know all this just let me know. It’s all new to me.)
https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/index.html

 

[SomeGuyNamedPaul]

More interesting Arkansas trail data:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkansas_Heritage_Trails_System?wprov=sfti1

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkansas_Highway_7

 

[SomeGuyNamedPaul]

I have yet to find a map that shows only county roads.

 

[Silverback_WK2]

I have yet to find a map that shows only county roads.

Do a search for Delorme Arkansas Atlas and Gazetteer Road map and topographic map.
Just ordered one.

 

[SomeGuyNamedPaul]

This looks good! Thanks!

 

[Nick1987]

Let me know what ya find I be interested in going if it in April or something. Need a bit of time to gather enough time off.

 

[Silverback_WK2]

I think I've found a cool southern terminus.

33.019308, -94.043319

It's an old abandoned gas station. At the side of the gas station is the survey marker where Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana meet.