Climb The Steep Wooden Steps Into The Clouds On The Sugar Loaf Mountain Trail In Arkansas

Arkansas is a playground for nature lovers, which means we have endless breathtaking hiking trails with natural wonders. Many of these trails will lead to waterfalls, scenic overlooks, hidden caverns, and more. But there is only one trail that’s on a mountain island. And you must climb steep wooden steps and hike into the clouds to get to witness the spectacular view from the summit. You’ll find this incredible trail on Sugarloaf Mountain Island in Arkansas.

Situated in the heart of Greers Ferry Lake is Sugarloaf Mountain Island.

The island is home to the trail that was designated as the first national scenic trail in the country.

Because this is an island, it’s only accessible by boat or by other water transportation.

The closest access point is at the Fairfield Bay Marina, and for a fee, you can opt to take the water shuttle. Or you can kayak, canoe, or boat for about a mile to the island.

The shuttle runs on a schedule, so it's recommended to call ahead and make reservations. The marina can be reached at (501) 884-6030.

Once you get to the island, there are two trails that you can hike - the Terrace Trail and the Mule Trail.

The 1.5-mile Terrace Trail is an easy to moderate hike with little change in elevation that will take you around the base of the island.

You’ll enjoy the wildlife and the abundance of foliage as well as the natural rock formations along the bluff line.

But for the best experience, you must hike the Mule Trail that will take you to the summit of the mountain.

Along this trail, you’ll see natural bluffs that are more than 300 million years old.

And, towards the end of the trail, you must climb the steep wooden steps into the heavens to get to the lookout point.

While this 2.5-mile trail is steep and can be challenging…

…the panoramic view of the lake is worth every step that you took.

With your camera in hand, you’ll want to capture the spectacular view of Greers Ferry Lake.

This hike is beautiful at any time of the year, and while standing at 1,000 feet above sea level, you’ll be awestruck and feel like you're on top of the world.

So, are you ready to take the wooden steps and hike into the clouds? Start by making your reservation with the marina. You can call the marina at (501) 884-6030 or visit the website for more information.

And if you’re looking for more hiking adventures in Arkansas, here are some that you’ll love.