Caney Creek Wilderness

Located on the southern edge of Ouachita National Forest, Caney Creek Wilderness protects a rugged and lovely portion of the Ouachita Mountains. From heights above 2,000 feet in the east, Short Creek and Caney Creek flow all the way across the area before plunging into the Cossatot River on the western boundary. Along the creeks you'll find beech, large pines, and bottomland hardwoods. Sharp ridges separate the creeks and offer splendid views of the surrounding region, and occasional sandstone outcroppings dot the landscape. The Caney Creek Trail is 9.6 miles and generally follows Caney Creek, crossing it 13 times; as the terrain grows steeper the hiking becomes more difficult, and parking lots give access to both ends of the trail. The 4.7-mile Buckeye Trail starts at a third parking lot, climbs Buckeye Mountain, and follows a ridge before dropping to join Caney Creek. Traveling 3.2 miles one way, the Tall Peak Trail leaves Shady Lake Campground, outside the southeastern Wilderness boundary, and climbs Tall Peak inside the Wilderness, where a restored lookout tower stands.