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Section 3 of the Ouachita Challenge. Super steep climbs and long, curvy descents.


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Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.6

KM

95%

Singletrack

1,227' 374 m

High

805' 245 m

Low

566' 173 m

Up

618' 188 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Commonly Bikepacked

Overview

Begin with a smooth but very steep climb up the infamous Suck Mountain. When you reach the top, you'll get a nice downhill segment. But beware cause it's another long climb right after. Navigate your way through a rock garden at the top and be ready for a fast fun downhill. Take a right at the logging road then veer left back onto the singletrack for the final few hundred feet.

Need to Know

Bring your gear bag, as you don't want to be stuck with a flat out here.

Description

Begin this super fun portion of the Ouachita Trail with a super steep climb. Despite the steepness, there's only one technical spot about half way up, so if you've got the legs, it is doable. When you reach the top of the first climb, make sure to look left and enjoy a magnificent view of the Ouachita Mountains. Enjoy a short rest on the third of a mile of bench trail before starting a short but fun descent that features switchbacks, narrow tree gaps, and some small rocky patches.

Descend all the way to a creek (make sure it's not too deep!) and immediately begin the second climb. This one is a bit less steep, but still a challenge for those without legs of steel. After about a mile you'll reach one of the rock gardens that the Ouachita Trail is famous for. Try to navigate it, but don't be disappointed if you can't, it's easier going down it than up it!

After the rock garden, the trail will eventually flatten out and another longer bench section will give you a good chance to rest and take in the scenery, which includes thick pine forests and scattered boulders. In approximately a half mile the second and last downhill section begins. This is the one you've been waiting for so enjoy it! Tight tree gaps, quick turns, and periodic spots where you can really open up the speed will eventually give way to a small rock garden.

Immediately after you'll pop onto an old logging road. Follow this for a quarter mile, then look left to find the remaining 300 feet of singletrack that will end at USFS 637. Take a right to make your way to the town of Sims or left to continue on the Ouachita Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Sam Dudley

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#1484

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  5.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#23

in Arkansas

#1,484

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Photos

Beautiful view from the top of Suck Mt
Apr 8, 2019 near Mount Ida, AR

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