Calling Oklahoma hangers

**OgtheKing** · 10-08-2014, 16:32

I've been sub'd to this thread watching it. I'd like to go if I can get the days away from work and the okay from my wife. Have the days been locked down? Also what's this hike like? I've done ERL twice in the last four years. Would it compare to that hike? Just trying to get a idea of what I would need to expect.

**Stogie Bum** · 10-08-2014, 17:53

OgtheKing, this will be the first time for me and my daughter to walk these trails so i'm afraid I can't answer your question about how it compares to ERL (what does ERL stand for?). Judging by the topo maps of these two loops, it looks like there are many elevation changes, with one of them stretching from 1700' to 1100' in one mile. I don't know how rocky and rough the trail is, but will assume it's pretty bumpy. The map shows that it crosses several creeks, but i don't know if they are running all the time or just wet-weather creeks.

Perhaps Hambone has done these loops before and can give us some insight?

As far as the dates, they are locked down for us two.

**oldgringo** · 10-08-2014, 18:17

All of the creeks in the area are wet weather only. ERL is Eagle Rock Loop, in AR.

I believe Tarp and Gimpy have hiked some of those trails...they are both members here.

**wrangler88** · 10-08-2014, 19:25

What are the exact dates? Is it still the weekend of Nov 7 - 9? I can't go that weekend. I just wanted to double check that those are the for sure dates.

**Stogie Bum** · 10-08-2014, 19:29

Hi Wrangler88,

yeah, those are the dates that i have.

sidenote - i sent PM to Gimpy to see if there was any info to pass on to us.

**OgtheKing** · 10-08-2014, 21:35

Originally Posted by Hambone

This is the Loop we are looking at. http://www.ouachitamaps.com/Horsethief.html
You can click on the map at the left to zoom in.
It is the Horsethief Springs/ Billy Creek Loops. They do a sort of figure 8 on the North and South sides of Winding Stair mountain and utilize short sections of the Ouachita Trail in between.

As far as the date goes, with fall colors the intent, the last two weeks of October and the first two of November will be the best. I, myself, will not be able to go on 10/31-11/2 but if it works out that it is best for the group I will bow out.

I just went to this link to read up on the trail. There's a trail report from last month. It doesn't sound like the trail is in very good shape right now. Lots of blow downs and under growth making trail blaze hard to find. I don't believe I'll make this hike but will add it to my bucket list.

http://www.ouachitamaps.com/Trail%20Reports.html

**Stogie Bum** · 10-09-2014, 17:30

Hey Hambone,
after reading the report from above, my daughter and i have decided to find a different place to hike. this will be only our 2nd trip out, so we'll save this loop for another time. So, that being said, do you know of a different loop that's in good shape? Daughter was curious about Mt Magazine (AR) and/or McCree (OK). Been to either one of them? We're still good with Nov 7-9.

**Hambone** · 10-09-2014, 18:54

I have never been on the original planned loop. I was told that when it is used, it is used by horses. I would definitely be open to changing locations. The OT could be another good option, which was my original thought for this trip. We could run a shuttle. As far as loops, there is the ERL. Also some loop options in the Beech Creek Scenic Area but I believe those in the BCSA are not used much and overgrown. An out and back on the Blackfork Mountain trail could be another option

**Stogie Bum** · 10-10-2014, 13:44

OT sounds interesting. What were the start/stop points you were considering?

Hey Og, by changing the trek are you interested in rejoining the group?

**OgtheKing** · 10-10-2014, 14:31

Sure, I've got the ok from my wife so it'll just be get'n away from work. I'll put in for those day and see if they approve them.
I have a truck that seats 5 and can do some shuttle to/from the start/finish if we don't do a loop. I'll get back with ya as soon as I find out from work.