Blowout Mountain

This super fun and technical portion of the Ouachita Trail features rock gardens galore, steep climbs, and some of the best downhills in Arkansas. The view of the mountains along the top of Blowout Mountain are also spectacular, and the last downhill section is absolutely world class singletrack. If you are looking to get away from it all and escape into the woods, this is a perfect trail for doing just that.

Do not come unprepared.

This is the most technical section of the Ouachita Challenge. When conditions are dry, this is one of the most fun and challenging sections of trail in Arkansas. Begin this segment just east of Highway 270. Climb some steep terrain until you come to a road crossing. This is a good place to rest for a bit and relax cause you're gonna need it.

When ready, continue on the trail through some moderate terrain until you begin climbing a steep and rocky quarter mile section. It'll level out at the top, but the rocks will only get bigger and more technical. Continue on until you come to two steep switchbacks descending into a beautiful rock garden. Expect difficult, narrow, and sometimes dangerous trail for the next 2 miles.

Eventually you'll reach the downhill portion which is one of the best in the state. The first half is super fast and wide open. It'll level out and there'll be a couple of punchy climbs until you reach the second half of the descent, which is a bit tighter and not as fast, but just as fun. Look for the shelter to the left as you approach the end or continue down the last portion of the descent which is wide, but also very steep. Take a left on the road to continue on the Ouachita National Recreation Trail - IMBA Epic or take a right to bail out.