Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a pleasant jaunt alongside the Ouachita River.
The Ouachita River heads in eastern Oklahoma and continues to grow as it meanders in a generally western direction. In fact, it is the largest and most prominent tributary pouring into Lake Ouachita.
This river also provides many miles of floatable waters during its journey through the Ouachitas, and there are several access points along the way. In turn, folks have options, allotting the luxury of choosing routes of varying distances and terrain.
That in mind, I opted to choose a drive for today's article that would lead us close to the river's most western access points. Although some of these spots are popular within the paddling community, there are a couple that I suspect are not as often utilized.
I suppose the fact that they are farther from Hot Springs has a little to do with the amount of use these most western access points see. But a river also obviously grows smaller as one travels in the direction to where it begins. So, I wouldn't be surprised if those floating these particular stretches of water are faced with more dragging and portaging, as well.
Regardless of why these access points are not as well-known in our neck of the woods, they are still situated in a beautiful setting. That being said, I thought this would prove a great time for us to embark upon a drive along a route from where we could make a couple short detours along the way and get a little better acquainted with a river that practically anybody with a small boat and paddle has grown to appreciate throughout the years.
Beginning our journey at Hot Springs, we'll strike out in a westward direction on Highway 270. Traveling 5.3 miles west of Mount Ida, we'll cross a bridge spanning the Ouachita River.
There is a road, on the left, just across the bridge, that I have previously used as a takeout point. In fact, this is where I have most often ended my floats that began at the next location we will be visiting.
So let's head that way. We'll continue forward for another 3 miles, to Pencil Bluff, where we'll make a left-hand turn onto Highway 88. Remaining on the highway for 2.7 miles, we'll take a left on Highway 379 at Oden.
Remaining on 379 for only a half-mile, we'll cross the river and travel for another two-tenths of a mile to where a right-hand turn will lead to the water's edge. This is a very popular starting point, as folks can pretty much spend the better portion of a day on the water before they reach their takeout destination.
Backtracking to Highway 88, take a left and continue in a westward direction to our next stop. In fact, there are several spots along this stretch of the journey that folks might find of interest. The access point for the Serendipity Trail is located on the left at 1.5 miles. This designated path can easily be traversed in less than one hour and lends to a trek through terrain that is typical to the Ouachitas.
Continuing westward for another 1.5 miles, the road on the right leads to a pond and rifle range. Although I have never fished in this pond, it certainly appears to provide an optimal habitat for native fish species to thrive.
Continuing for three-tenths more miles the unsurfaced road on the left will lead us to the Shirley Creek access point of the Ouachita River. This is actually one of my favorite access points, and for good reason.
Remain on the dirt road for four-tenths of a mile and take a right at the Shirley Creek sign. Simply follow the road for yet another three-tenths of a mile to the destination.
There was a day when camping was allowed at the quaint day-use area where the river can easily be accessed. And I have fond memories of spending a few overnighters at this spot. However, even though camping is no longer allowed, it is a great location where one can stop and enjoy a picnic. And the fact that vaulted toilets are on-site is simply icing on the cake.
Returning back to 88 and continuing west, we will visit two more access points that I know little about. In fact, I recently experienced my first visit to one of the two. However, there is a destination 5.2 miles into this stretch of highway where I have stopped several times throughout the years. And I have found every visit to the Lum and Abner Museum, at Pine Ridge, intriguing.
From the museum, travel 5.7 more miles and take a left at the Cherry Hill Access sign. The county road crosses the river at six-tenths of a mile and the dirt road leading to the access point will be on the right four-tenths of a mile beyond the bridge.
I am aware that some might plan to embark upon this road trip via motorcycle. That being said, this short access road and the road leading to Shirley Creek will be the only unsurfaced routes throughout the entire journey. I will also try to warn of any other potential obstacles along the way.
Backtracking to Highway 88, we'll make yet another left and continue 3.9 miles, to where we'll make a left-hand turn on County Road 63 to the Mc Guire access. The paved road will lead us four-tenths of a mile to where it crosses the river. This is a beautiful spot, I would consider it the most scenic of all that we have discussed in this article.
There is ample room to park on the road's edge, lending to an opportunity to get out and stretch one's legs. In fact, I took advantage of the opportunity to get out and wade for a short distance during our previous visit.
I suppose one could simply backtrack home from this point. However, my wife and I chose to remain on the county road in the direction of Highway 8. We actually continued along 63 for 1.2 miles, to an intersection where we turned right to remain on the county road.
OK, this is one of those spots where I might need to share a warning with cycling enthusiasts. The entire route to Highway 8 is paved. However, one might consider taking it easy, as there are a number of potholes along the way.
The county road meandered alongside a number of fields for another 3.1 miles to where it tied in with Highway 8 at the Boardcamp community. Taking a left, we remained on 8 for 27.5 miles to the Highway 27 intersection, at Norman. One could certainly take a right at the intersection, follow the road to Glenwood and head east on Highway 70 back to Hot Springs.
However, Sandy and I chose to remain straight on 27 and followed the road back to Mount Ida, where we turned right onto Highway 70 and returned home.
Yep, we are blessed with some beautiful scenery throughout this great state. And the route we recently chose to follow certainly did not let us down.
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July 26, 2020 at 05:48PM
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WATCH: Beautiful scenery awaits during jaunt along the Ouachita - Hot Springs Sentinel
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