Happy trails: Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Water pours over the Lake Sylvia Dam after a rain.
The well-marked trails around Lake Sylvia make them some of the best for a nature hike. Photo by MIchael Storey
Water pours over the Lake Sylvia Dam after a rain. The well-marked trails around Lake Sylvia make them some of the best for a nature hike. Photo by MIchael Storey

LAKE SYLVIA RECREATION AREA

Location: Go 1.5 miles north of Williams Junction on Arkansas 9; then south on Arkansas 324 for 4.1 miles to the parking lot just outside the camping area.

Length: There are longer options if you include the Ouachita Trail loop, but a nice hike is the 3.2 miles along the lake, then out and back to the Chinquapin Mountain Overlook.

Main attractions: The dirt trail is easy to moderate, well-marked and passes through scenic Ouachita National Forest land.

Hazards: Sign says it’s “Bear Country,” but I’ve never seen one.

Dog, bike, tyke friendly? No bikes, but kiddos anddogs will love it - especially the section along the lake.

Rating (out of five):Know a good trail for a hike? Email

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ActiveStyle, Pages 27 on 09/30/2013

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