Hickory Nut Mountain

Description:

The Hickory Nut Mountain trail segment begins at the picnic area atop Hickory Nut Mountain and ends at a take-out on FS47 road. The trail follows the south side of the mountain along the top of a rock bluff before dropping onto an old logging road that parallels Hickory Nut Creek. A canopy of old and new growth trees provide shade in the summer heat.

The creek is spring fed and spellbinding as it flows; waterfall after waterfall, cascade after cascade typify the creek as it rushes down the gorge. Look for the Grotto and a four foot waterfall coming off the side of a hill. Large boulders, huge rock outcroppings, and steep drop-offs are common.

Surrounding Area:

From the picnic area at the trailhead, take a short 1.1 mile hike on the mountaintop access road to the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista where you will see sweeping views on both the western half of the lake and the deep valley south on the Vista. This is the last time you will see the lake once you start down the mountain.

Length:

3.6 miles one way to the trail termination at FS47 road takeout. But you can also backtrack from the trailhead to P4 Joplin Trailhead, 4 miles.

Difficulty:

The Hickory Nut Mountain trail is largely downhill, sometimes steeply, east to FS47. But there are bridgeless creek crossings and the return route is very strenuous. Recommend leaving vehicles at the FS47 takeout. The backtrack to the Joplin Trailhead is steep with 5 bridgeless creek crossings.- a difficult biking trail.

Amenities:

A primitive bathroom (outhouse style) and picnic tables are available in the day use area at the trailhead.

Directions to Trailhead:

Go east from Mount Ida about 13 miles or west from Hot Springs about 21 miles (a mile or so west of the border separating Montgomery and Garland counties) to Hickory Nut Mountain Road. Turn north (your only option) and travel about 4 miles to the day use area sign at the top of the mountain. This will seem like a long way on a rough road; don’t give up. Turn left through the day use area to the two large cairns, one on each side of the P5 trailhead entrance. Turn right at the day use sign and travel about 1.1 miles to the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista.

To reach the P6 FS47 takeout area, go north on Hickory Nut Mountain Road for 9/10s of a mile. Turn right onto FS 47 and go 2.6 miles to the intersection of FS 47 and FS 47A on your left. Go through the gate with an iron post on the right with 47A printed on it. Go 2/10s of a mile to a low water bridge and park just across the bridge. Follow the road to your left for about 500 feet where you will see the trail on your right. .

Accommodations:

The trailhead does not accommodate camping. However, the Joplin and Tompkins Bend Trailheads both have campgrounds and resorts nearby.