From the Hwy 7 Trailhead on the Ouachita Trail, it’s a short two-mile road walk south to one of my treasured places in the Ouachitas, Mountain Thyme Bed & Breakfast. If you take the Hunts Loop trail closest to the highway, it comes out at Iron Springs Recreation Area (picnic area) and is only a mile walk from there.

Mike and Rhonda are the ultimate B&B hosts so if you’re looking for a place to resupply, renew, and refurbish, plan on spending a couple of nights. After a full zero day you’ll start your next section with a gourmet breakfast.

During your time in the area take the short drive south on Hwy 7 to Fox Pass Pottery. It’s a perfect spot to spend some recuperating time. Jim and Barbara Larkin are true artists in clay and their shop is a highlight stop in the Hot Springs area. Jim is a hiker and understands pack weight so if you find something you can’t pass up, he’ll ship purchases directly to your home. 

A few years back, Jim Larkin noticed my post about John Allen Adams, the owner of a bookstore in Arkadelphia, AR. Jim and I both worked at Adam’s Book Store but a couple of years apart. It was nice to make the connection and share the positive influence John had on us both during our college days. It was also nice to spend time with Jim and Barbara Larkin at Fox Pass touring their shop and kilns.

On your way back to Mountain Thyme, stop off at Coleman Crystal Mine, a fully operational crystal mine where you can dig on your own, ride a zip line, or shop for “pre-dug” and cleaned crystals.