crewpilot

I am trying to find a good overnight to do next month during my short break at school. I will be graduating soon, so I am, of course, completely broke and need something relatively close. I live in Huntsville and do short hikes on the LST so I would like to go do something new. The Goodwater trail looks like it would be a good hike but my question is whether the trail makes a compete loop or am I going to have to have two cars? I would like to hike as much as possible and I hate doing out and backs. If it does not make a full loop, do you guys have any other suggestions for a good overnight loop???

hiwayman

Unfortunately the Good Water trail does not make a complete loop. It does require a shuttle. Sorry, but the only loop hikes I can think of right off the bat are in Ark and Ok which may be out of your range.

crewpilot

I love the Ozarks and would really like to explore Ouchita NF, but this will likely be done over a weekend, so a drive from Huntsville to Arkansas would be a little out of the question. Thanks though. Anyone else have any ideas??

ploddinTod

I'd go for the Goodwater Trail. Since your hike is on the weekend, there will people around to catch a hitch back to your vehicle.

The only loop I can think of is the 4 Notch Loop or the Little Lake Creek Loop on the LST. But you've already stated you're not really interested in those at the moment.

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PloddinTod

munkee

I've never been but on the map there appears to be a decent loop out at Lost Maples SNA. I don't know what kind of distance you're looking for, but there is also a short loop at Bastrop SP, Colorado Bend SP, Enchanted Rock SNA and I believe a few out at Hill Country SNA also.

SKOT FREE

Lost Maples Has a 10 mile loop if you combine the east & west trails. There are several back country primitive sites. I camped at site "F" last Wednesday. There are a few sites with Clivus Moltrum composting toilets. This park is very popular with birders, most of whom seemed to be seeking Zone Tailed Hawks, Golden Cheeked Warblers, and Black Capped Vireo. There are also many insect and plant species that are found only in the area. Ive been trying to get in as many conditioning hikes as possible before I embark on my hike of The Continental Divide Trail in three weeks. (see Backpacker Magazine April 2005, page 17. They did a short article on My trek.) So if your out in the hill country in the next few days get in touch with Me and maybe I can show you around. I'll most likely go up to Enchanted Rock or back to Devils River. HAPPY TRAILS, SKOT