Arkansas · Hiking

Athens-Big Fork North

19.4 mi
round trip
5,529 ft
climb
1,799 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Athens-Big Fork North open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ouachita National Forest. It doesn't name Athens-Big Fork North, so check the source for the area it covers (5 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Ouachita National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Athens-Big Fork North is a 19.4-mile out-and-back hike in the Caddo Ranger District of Arkansas's Ouachita National Forest. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and starts at the Upper Athens-Big Fork Trailhead, with an elevation gain of 5,529 feet over the round trip. The route climbs steadily, reaching a high point of 1,799 feet. The steepest stretch comes around mile 6.5, where the grade reaches 35%. Because the trail is long and gains nearly 2,750 feet one way, expect a full day of effort. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 69°F with lows near 52°F, and May highs around 74°F, though that station sits about 600 feet lower than the trail's high point. Several other trails lie close by. The Little Missouri North hike and the Athens-Big Fork North mountain biking route are each about 1.2 miles away. Eagle Rock Loop is 1.6 miles off, and Shady Lake campground is about 6.8 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Athens-Big Fork North

    Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      47° / 32°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      53° / 35°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 42°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      69° / 50°

      9 wet

    5. May

      74° / 59°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      81° / 66°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      87° / 69°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 69°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 62°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      69° / 52°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      58° / 42°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      50° / 34°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Big Fk 1 Sse, AR, 2 mi away at 1,200 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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