It had been too long since I walked the Mount Magazine Trail from Cove Lake to the top of the mountain. Saturday’s day hike was a great chance to practice “social distancing” in the woods. With the concerns over CORVID-19, a hiking trail is the perfect place to get some exercise and safe conversation with others. We only encountered one couple hiking on the trail.
Becca and I camped at Cove Lake in the truck. All was quiet in the campground, and temperatures were cool, perfect for sleeping. I fired up the small propane heater for a few minutes on Saturday morning while preparing eggs, bacon, and potatoes for breakfast. I wanted plenty of energy on this 10-mile hike that would test the progress of my right knee.
Becca drove the truck to the top of the mountain to meet me in about seven hours. Steve, Roger, and I began what would be a demanding climb but in perfect weather conditions. Water wasn’t going to be a concern. Every intermittent stream was flowing.
We saw several big pine trees next to the trail. Steve slowed down so I could get a photo showing the size of this tree.
When we arrive at Rock Creek, we spent a few minutes finding places to cross safely. I sat next to the creek and then tromped through in my hiking shoes. The cold water felt good!
I spent a few minutes after lunch enjoying the large canopy of a pine as bright sunshine warmed my skin. Crisp air and sunlight poured new energy into my body as I sat staring at the sky.
Small flashes of color whispered that we’re on the front end of spring.
Reflections on a wildlife pond caught my attention.
Sometimes little things next to the trail remind you of the complexity and symmetry in nature.
The final three miles of this hike to Cameron Bluff is one of the great climbs in Arkansas. When you get to the stone steps, you know you’re close to the top!
As the minutes go by, you begin to wonder if someone’s adding more steps on the far end. It’s a heart-pounding climb!
Top of the steps
Finally, the stairs twist and lead to the road that follows Cameron Bluff. An overlook is nearby and well worth a few extra steps. A short, and thankfully, level walk brings you to the campground. From the campground, it’s a quick trip to the high point of Arkansas at 2,753 feet. I include the Signal Hill (Highpoint) Trail and others in Five Star Trails: The Ozarks.
I always enjoy seeing the historic water fountain at the campground. The fountain is no longer in use, but reminds me of earlier camping trips before the mountain became a state park.
I need to do this Cove Lake to Mount Magazine hike again soon. It gives a great physical workout while lifting the spirits, too!
Butterflies danced from bloom to bloom, sometimes landing long enough for a picture, despite my lack of a long lens. Mount Magazine and the nearby town of Paris hosted their 20th (and last) Butterfly Festival in 2016. Thankfully, the diverse butterfly population didn’t get the news release and still arrives on Mount Magazine to enjoy its unique blooms and cool temperatures.
A subtle collection of frog calls announced our approach to a small hidden pond located on the historical Benefield homestead. While Hiker-dog grabbed a drink, I captured a short sample of the pond’s soundscape.
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