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Caney Creek Trail
Caney Creek Trail generally follows the Caney Creek drainage. The trail crosses Blaylock Creek, Caney Creek, Katy Creek and the Cossatot River for a total of 13 stream crossings which are subject to flash flooding during heavy rain. Vegetation types, which occur along the creek, include beech tree stands, large pines and bottom land hardwoods. Buckeye Trail generally follows a ridge offering many vistas before winding down to the Caney Creek Trail. Tall Peak Trail is a steep rugged trail once you leave the Saline River. It begins in Shady Lake Recreation Area but can also be accessed from Forest Service Road 38. Look for large granite rocks about 1.8 miles north of Shady Lake Recreation Area entrance. These trails lead into a 14,460 acre congressionally designated wilderness - a place for solitude and primitive recreation.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open year round. |
|---|---|
| Rentals & Guides: | Click here for more information. |
| Fees: | No fee. |
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | Spring-Fall |
| Busiest Season: | Spring |
| Restrictions: | Although open to equestrian use, the Caney Creek Trail is not designed or maintained for such use.
Buckeye and Tall Peak Trails are not suitable for equestrian use at all. Mountain bikes and motorized equipment are prohibited in the Wilderness. |
| Closest Towns: | Mena, Arkansas. |
| Water: | Not for Drinking |
| Restroom: | None |
| Operated By: | Mena-Oden Ranger District (479) 394-2382 |
General Information
Directions:West Caney Creek Trailhead - From State Hwy. 71 at Vandervoort take State Hwy. 246 east 11 miles to Forest Service (F.S.) Rd. 31. On F.S. Rd.31 travel 10 miles to the trailhead.
East Caney Creek and Buckeye Trailheads - Continue an additional 14 miles on State Hwy. 246 to F.S. Rd. 38. Travel F.S. Rd. 38 for 7 miles north to the Caney Creek Trailhead or 8 miles north to the Buckeye Trailhead.
Activities
Day Hiking
The trails in the wilderness are not marked or signed. You need a map and compass to enjoy the trail and explore the wilderness. Rock cairns are at the Buckeye Trail intersection. Keep them on your right going uphill. Several trails have been closed for revegetation. Please respect these closures.
17.5 miles; travel time one way - 14 to 18 hours.
| Fees: | No fee. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
Backpacking
The trails in the wilderness are not marked or signed. You need a map and compass to enjoy the trail and explore the wilderness. Rock cairns are at the Buckeye Trail intersection. Keep them on your right going uphill. Several trails have been closed for revegetation. Please respect these closures.
17.5 miles; travel time one way - 14 to 18 hours.
| Fees: | No fee. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
Horse Riding
The trails in the wilderness are not marked or signed. You need a map and compass to enjoy the trail and explore the wilderness. Rock cairns are at the Buckeye Trail intersection. Keep them on your right going uphill. Several trails have been closed for revegetation. Please respect these closures.
17.5 miles; travel time one way - 14 to 18 hours.
| Fees: | No fee. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
Location
