Arkansas · Hiking

Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail

3.2 mi
one way
380 ft
climb
857 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Buffalo National River. It doesn't name Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail, 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.

The Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail is a 3.2-mile point-to-point hike in Buffalo National River, Arkansas, managed by the National Park Service. It is an easy route with a total elevation gain of 380 feet, and it starts at about 669 feet, rising to a high of 857 feet. 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 is similar at about 70°F by day and 45°F at night. That station sits a few hundred feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the route run a little cooler. There is no fee to hike this trail. Tyler Bend Campground is about 1.2 miles away, and the Old Railroad Grade hike is about 1.5 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail

    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, 1.5 mi away at 606 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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