Arkansas · Hiking

E.Ridge - Fern Loop

1.5 mi
loop
88 ft
climb
1,385 ft
high point
Loop
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is E.Ridge - Fern Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ouachita National Forest. It doesn't name E.Ridge - Fern Loop, 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.

E.Ridge - Fern Loop is a 1.5-mile loop on the Forest Service's Ouachita National Forest in the Mena Ranger District of Arkansas. It's an easy hike that sits about 1,200 feet above Mena, with a back-loaded climb that peaks at 1,385 feet and a total gain of 88 feet. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Mena weather station show October highs around 73°F with lows near 48°F, and April highs around 70°F, while July and August average highs of 90°F. The trip takes about half an hour. Several other routes start close by, including E.Ridge - Southern Loop, E.Ridge - Orchard Trail and Earthquake Ridge, each about a tenth of a mile away. The Ouachita River is about 4 miles off for paddling.

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 E.Ridge - Fern Loop

    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

      49° / 28°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      54° / 31°

      10 wet

    3. Mar

      62° / 38°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 56°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 65°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 68°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      90° / 66°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 59°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 48°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      61° / 38°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 30°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mena, AR, 2.7 mi away at 1,152 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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