View from Spy Rock, Ozark National Forest
A week ago Friday, after a short visit to check out some Black Friday specials, I headed north of Ozark, Arkansas and did the Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail. It was a great hike.
Approximate elevation levels based on GPS data.
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Interactive Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail Map
Click here for large interactive map.
View of Mulberry River from Redding Campground
I think the easiest way to do the trail is to start at the Redding Campground. It is in the Ozark National Forest, about 10 miles north of Ozark. The Redding Campground does not have electrical hookups, but it does have a decent bathhouse and has a beautiful overlook of and (for canoeists) access point for the Mulberry River. Right there next to the river overlook is where the connection to the Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail begins. Just look for the blue blazes.
After about 6/10 of a mile, you reach the main Redding Spy Rock Loop. I took the left (west) side of the fork first to walk the trail clockwise. Once you are on the loop, it is a pretty steady uphill climb up Morgan Mountain.
The terrain and views are very pretty once you climb up to the higher elevations. Spy Rock is very visible from the higher elevations during leaf-off.
Spy Rock as viewed from Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail
Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail
The total elevation change on the hike is close to 900 feet.
Eventually you will reach a spur for Spy Rock and also the Ozark Highlands Trail. Be sure to take the spur. Eventually the spur will split and you will take a left to continue to Spy Rock.
The view of the surrounding area from the overlook at Spy Rock is amazing. Be very careful as there are dangerous bluffs.
After Spy Rock, backtrack on the spur until you get back to the main loop. From here, take a left and continue on through the east side of the loop. Eventually, you will get back to where the loop began. Follow the initial spur back to the Redding campground.
Aside from Spy Rock, my favorite parts of the trail are the higher elevations on the west side and almost all of the east side. On the east side, the trail mostly follows the east edge of the mountain which weaves in and out several times. There are many scenic overviews during leaf-off and some very pretty stream areas.
Another view from Spy Rock
Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail
The entire hike from Redding Campground to Spy Rock and back, including the full loop, is about 8.2 miles. The trail is easy to follow, and the blue blazes were generally easy to see.
As usual, I have posted some of my photos and a gpx map made from my gps data. You can click the photos for a larger view.
Click here for gpx file download.
(1=Easy; 5=Most Difficult)
VITAL INFO
Trail Name and Location Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail - Ozark National Forest
County, State Franklin County, Arkansas
Date Hiked 11-26-2010
Weather/Conditions 30's and 40's, chilly in the morning, but great hiking weather.
Directions The easiest starting point is at Redding Campground on highway 215 off of highway 23 (north of Ozark).
Hike Length/Type 8.2 miles (from Redding Campground to Spy Rock and back including loop trail), semi-loop
Other Permitted Usage None
Difficulty 5
ATT Cell Coverage? Mostly.
Official Info - Phone/Links (479) 754-2864 Recreation area website.
[Updated: 2012-01-04]
