Arkansas · Hiking

Old Railroad Grade

1.8 mi
one way
21 ft
climb
614 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Old Railroad Grade open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Buffalo National River. It doesn't name Old Railroad Grade, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · Buffalo National River. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Old Railroad Grade is a short, easy hike in Buffalo National River, Arkansas, managed by the National Park Service. The route is a point-to-point trail of about 1.8 miles, with a total elevation gain of 21 feet. It starts at roughly 612 feet and reaches a high point of 614 feet, so the climb is nearly flat, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.65 miles in, with a grade of about 7 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Gilbert show October highs around 73°F with lows near 45°F, and April highs around 70°F. July and August average highs near 89°F. The Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail lies about 1.5 miles away, and Tyler Bend Campground is about 2.7 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit Old Railroad Grade

    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

      48° / 24°

      7 wet

    2. Feb

      53° / 28°

      7 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 36°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 45°

      8 wet

    5. May

      77° / 55°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 64°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 67°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 65°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 57°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 45°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 35°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      51° / 27°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Gilbert, AR, 0.1 mi away at 606 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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