The best walks and hikes in Howard County

Viles Branch Trail makes up the southeastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop, connecting Athens-Big Fork and Little Missouri Trails through pine forest and along the clear waters of Viles Branch Creek. You’ll cross the creek more than a dozen times, and the crossings are typically shallow but can be slick, so be aware of your footing. The route passes some impressive rock formations and quiet streambeds that offer some of the loop’s most peaceful views. Blazes along this trail are inconsistent, and some signage near junctions is faded, so stay alert and use your offline komoot map to confirm turns to stay on track while you enjoy this beautiful stretch.

This spur trail junction leads to one of the best panoramic views on the Eagle Rock Loop. It’s easy to miss, especially when you’re focusing on the climb, so keep an eye out for a slight turnoff. The spur itself is gently graded and takes just a few minutes to reach the vista, making it a worthwhile detour for a snack break and a chance to take some memorable photos.

Brush Heap Mountain marks one of the steepest climbs on the Athens-Big Fork Trail, with this junction sitting near the top of a long, rocky ascent. The trail levels briefly at the saddle, offering a chance to catch your breath before the descent. Views are limited at the junction itself, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can take the short (0.2-mile) boot trail for a better vantage point to take in the scenery, but be prepared to do some bushwhacking.

Long Creek is a quiet, slow-moving stream that typically flows year-round. Depending on the season, the water can be ankle-deep or just low enough to rock-hop across, keeping your feet dry. It’s quiet and shaded, making it an ideal spot to take a break before the next steep ridge climb.

This park-natural area extends for 12 miles along the Cossatot River. The river forms Cossatot Falls, a rocky canyon with class lV rapids for experienced kayakers and canoeists when local rainfall increases the watershed. The falls can be reached by foot by simply following the river. The path will be the one that you choose. Walk along the sandbar, and hop over the large rocks to access the falls.

Scenic 25-acre lake in a remote mountain setting. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. It continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail.

The Tall Peak Fire Tower is a historic fire tower in the Ouachita National Forest. It is located at the top of Tall Peak in the southwestern part of the national forest in Polk County, Arkansas. It is a fieldstone structure built about 1938 by a crew of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and features the distinctive flared corners that typify CCC architecture. It is accessible via a forest service road off Polk County 64 ( also known as forest service road 38).

The Buckeye Trail is mostly on the Ridge of Buckeye Mountain. The trail isn't marked. It begins at a small parking area off of CR64 and stays level for .4 miles then begins to climb. At the 1.7 mile mark, there is a standing rock made of novaculite, where it's a good spot to take a break. Shortly after this area, the trail becomes very hard to follow with side trails going in all directions. Just stay on the trail that ascends, and you will reach the top of the mountain at 2.1 miles. The summit offers panoramic views far and wide.