How does a 4.3-mile looped hike located off Highway 7, north of Jessieville in the south-western regions of Arkansas sound? How about if we throw in rocky terrains, endless stretches of botanical wildlife as the backdrop for your photos, a river, and get this: scenic aerial views atop Short Mountain Vista?

Awesome! Let’s get started then.
Charlie Edwards/Alltrails
Hunt’s Loop Trail lies in the Ouachita National Forest. It's accessible all year-round and ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking. It’s also pet-friendly as long as your companion is leashed.
You can choose between four trailheads, but we’ll take our favorite, the one inside the Iron Springs Recreation Area.
John Bodin/Alltrails
To begin, you’ll cross a large, rustic bridge bordered by river forks, trees, and mountains.
Michael Serrano/Alltrails
At the end of the bridge, you’ll be met with two options: To carry on to the right toward the Ouachita Trail Highway 7 trailhead for a steadier climb.

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Or, branch to the left, toward Short Mountain, to check the steep climb off your list quickly.
John Bodin/Alltrails
This trail camouflages into the landscape, so lookout for a signboard to guide you. It’s only sharp up to Short Mountain Vista. The rest of the trail should be more relaxing.
At this point, the layout of the trees in Ouachita should appear sparse, and the trees, smaller, indicating that you're close to the peak.
Charlie Edwards/Alltrails
Atop Short Mountain Vista, you are welcomed by a breathtaking southern view of the landscape below and a plaque with information about the area.
From here, the Hunt’s Loop Trail runs along the ridge of the mountain at an elevation of 1,372. It spearheads through rocky terrains, turns north a mile later, and runs to meet the OT junction through pine trees.
Charlie Edwards/Alltrails
At the section where they merge, the Hunt’s Loop Trail is marked with white blazes, and the OT trail, blue, so you don’t get confused. As you follow the trail, the Hunt’s Loop Trail would once again take you through the Highway 7 trailhead, and before you realize, back to Iron Springs Recreation Area.

Whether you start easy towards Ouachita Trail Highway 7 or take the steep ascent to Short Mountain through the woods, make sure to enjoy every second of your hike.

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Jessieville, AR 71949, USA