Fitpacking Itinerary for the Hot Springs, AR / Ouachita Trail trip
Saturday, November 3, 2012 -
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Fly or drive into Little Rock (LIT). The best arrival time is between 12PM - 3PM, but if you can save a significant amount of
money by arriving a little before or after, you should do so.
Take free airport shuttle to Comfort Inn & Suites Airport (AR099), 4301 East Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR, 72206, (501) 376-2466
Equipment shakedown. We go through your pack and examine everything you brought.
Go to
Ozark Outdoor Supply
5514 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR to pick up any equipment participants forgot or still need. Open until 6PM
Trail mix distribution
"Before" body composition measurements taken
Go out for opening dinner, review trip orientation
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Second set of "before" measurements taken
All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.
Go out for breakfast or hotel breakfast
Shuttle to Lake Sylvia, Route 324
Begin hiking at Lake Sylvia, elevation 800'
Hike 0.4 miles to the Ouachita Trail, elevation 800'
Hike 2.5 miles to N. Fork Pinnacle Spur
Hike 0.5 miles round trip to N. Fork Pinnacle for a great view
Hike 1.8 miles to Brown Creek, fill all water vessels
Hike 0.6 miles to Brown Creek Shelter, elevation 950'
Camp at Brown Creek Shelter, elevation 950'
Miles today: 5.8. Total miles: 5.8
Possible bailout: Route 324 or Forest Road 805
Monday, November 5, 2012
Hike 3.3 miles to the Flatside Pinnacle and Flatside Wilderness, elevation 1500’
Hike 4.2 miles to Upper Crystal Prong, elevations 1200'
Camp at Upper Crystal Prong, elevation 1200’
Miles today: 7.5. Total miles: 13.3
Possible bailout: Forest Road 805
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Hike 7.6 miles to Oak Mountain Shelter, elevation 1750'
Camp at Oak Mountain Shelter, elevation 1750'
Miles today: 7.6. Total miles: 20.9
Possible bailout: Forest Road 132
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Hike 7.0 miles to Highway 7, descending 750', ascending 500' and descending another 500'
Possible 1-mile round trip to Iron Springs for picnic table.
Hike 1.0 miles to Moonshine Shelter, Elevation 1400'
Camp at Moonshine Shelter, elevation 1400'
Miles today: 8.0. Total miles: 28.9
Possible bailout: Route 7
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Hike 7.6 miles to Big Bear Shelter, elevation 1300'
Camp at Big Bear Shelter, elevation 1300'
Miles today: 7.6. Total miles: 36.5
Possible bailout: Forest Road 107
Friday, November 9, 2012
Hike 3.0 miles to Ouachita Pinnacle, highest point on the hike, elevation 2000'
Hike 4.6 miles to Blue Mountain Shelter, elevation 1500'
Camp at Blue Mountain Shelter, elevation 1500'
Miles today: 7.6. Total miles: 44.1
Possible bailout: Forest Road 107
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Hike 4.4 miles to Route 298, elevation 800', end of hike
Miles today: 4.4. Total miles: 48.5
Possible bailout: Route 298
Go for a mineral bath at
Quapaw Historic Bathhouse,
for a relaxing soak in the main bath area (included). Other services such as massage and private baths available.
Shuttle to Comfort Inn & Suites Airport (AR099), 4301 East Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR, 72206, (501) 376-2466
"After" measurements taken
Dinner and awards ceremony
This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at
the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew
and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if
this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Free Hotel Breakfast
Free Airport Shuttle