Arkansas · Hiking

Rich Mountain

Rich MountainPhoto: SlapTheWorld, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)
15.9 mi
round trip
3,241 ft
climb
2,552 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Rich Mountain open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ouachita National Forest. It doesn't name Rich Mountain, 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.

Rich Mountain is a hard hike in the Mena Ranger District of Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, about 1.2 miles from the town of Eagleton. The trail is an out-and-back that starts at roughly 2,400 feet and climbs to about 2,550 feet, with a total round-trip gain of about 3,240 feet. The route is natural-surfaced and accessible, according to the Forest Service. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically spring and fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Mena show October highs around 73°F with lows near 48°F, and April highs around 70°F. That station sits about 1,400 feet below the summit, so temperatures on the mountain run cooler. Black Fork Mountain lies about 1.3 miles away. Earthquake Ridge and the E.Ridge - Orchard Trail are each about 6.5 miles off. Mountain Fork, a canoeing route, is about 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 Rich Mountain

    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, 5.4 mi away at 1,152 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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