LAKE OUACHITA -- The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail has been declared an epic trail by the International Mountain Biking Association, one of only 25 in the world, and one of four in Arkansas.
"This is quite a feather in the cap for this area for the Vista to receive this distinction and an even bigger feather for the state of Arkansas since it is the only location in the world to have four trails listed with this status," said Jerry Shields, leader of the Trail Dog group that has overseen the construction and maintenance of the 50-mile trail over the past nine years.
According to Shields, members of the International Mountain Biking Association have visited Vista regularly in recent years to experience its rough terrain and climbing challenges. Shields said he was informed the Vista met the group's criteria of at least 80 percent of the trail being off-road, providing a true wilderness experience, and being a strong physical challenge for even the most-fit of mountain bikers.
Vista Trail has grown in popularity each year with biking and hiking groups and visitors who enjoy fall foliage and watching eagles and other wildlife in their natural element, he said. At the same time, the trail offers area of level ground, aided by constructed and elevated walkways, and a loop through a wildlife area that is paved, easily accessible and meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"The groups I see visited the LOViT just keep getting bigger every year, and that means a boost to the economy in our area. That makes all of our efforts over the years well worth it. Whether you are a fitness buff or a person in a wheelchair who still likes to get out and enjoy nature, you can find a section of the trail that can accommodate you," Shields said.
The Trail Dogs have started their annual fall maintenance of clearing downed trees and other debris and have spent this week installing new benches at the following locations:
• A site on the east side of a creek overlooking the waterfall located east of Brady Mountain Road, about three-fourths of a mile from where the trail crosses the creek.
• The large rock outcroppings on top of Brady Mountain. Two benches have been placed there.
• Heading down the mountain from the switchbacks overlooking Blakely Mountain Dam, a bench is located about a half a mile down the mountain where a small creek crosses the trail at the sharp turn.
• Section five, located on a portion of the trail that climbs up a hill, a bench was placed overlooking a hollow where two creeks come together.
• A bench was installed at the ADA loop overlooking Gap Creek.
"We already have people who want to adopt these benches, so we'll do our best this week to get them installed. The community's support for the LOViT has been tremendous," Shields said.
The Trail Dogs are also taking over maintenance of the entire Charlton Trail loop portion of the Vista. Shields said the group has done maintenance on the northern portion and is now responsible for all of it.
"We've basically finished building it with the exception of some planned loops and extensions to scenic overlooks, but maintenance is an ongoing project. Those who use the LOViT can help us out by reporting downed trees and other problem areas by sending a message through our Facebook page" or at http://www.lakeouachitavistatrail.com, Shields said.
Shields said a ceremony commemorating the completion of the trail will be held in early October.
The annual Lake Ouachita Vista Trail marathon is also being planned for the first Saturday in December. The event has brought runners from all across Arkansas and surrounding areas. The Trail Dogs assist in overseeing the event.
The Ultra Runners group has also used the Vista for a 100K run, and Shields said the group is tentatively planning an even bigger outing, a 100-mile race, for February.
"In that run, they are planning to use the entire length of the trail plus some Forest Service Roads. They will start about daylight and will finish well after dark. It's going to be an exciting and challenging event," Shields said.
Garland Co. West on 09/25/2014