Arkansas · Hiking

Big Creek Loop

0.7 mi
loop
140 ft
climb
498 ft
high point
Loop
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Big Creek Loop is a short, easy loop hike in Arkansas, about 0.7 miles long and roughly 140 feet of elevation gain. It sits in a cluster of trails near McJester, about 2 miles away, and is a quick outing for anyone already exploring the area. The loop is back-loaded, with the steepest stretch at about 0.5 miles in, where the grade reaches 15%. The high point is 498 feet, and the route ends at a low of 355 feet. The trail is not open to bikes or horses. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Greers Ferry Dam weather station show October highs around 73°F and April highs around 72°F, while July and August average about 91°F. Overlook Trail starts just 0.1 mile away. Summit Trail and Tonawanda Base Trail are both about 8 miles off, and the Little Red River offers fishing roughly 9 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Big Creek Loop

    Best months: March–May 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

      48° / 28°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      54° / 31°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      62° / 38°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      72° / 47°

      9 wet

    5. May

      79° / 57°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 66°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 69°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 68°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      84° / 61°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 49°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      61° / 39°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      51° / 31°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Greers Ferry Dam, AR, 9.2 mi away at 527 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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