Trail Overview
Blackmon is an out-and-back trail located off Alum Fork Road that also connects with Alum Cross Loop. The trail starts out fairly easy, but it becomes narrower and more technical as you travel farther toward the campsites. There are a few off-camber sections, although the trail is generally wide enough to choose a safer line around them. Pay close attention to weather conditions, as heavy rain can cause washouts and make the back portion of the trail more difficult.
Difficulty
The most difficult parts of this trail are the rocky obstacles, mud holes, and narrow sections. A closed gate marks the end of the route, so this is an out-and-back trail—anything you drive in, you’ll have to drive back out.
History
The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest national forest in the southern United States, established in 1907 to protect the region’s timber, wildlife, and watersheds. Covering nearly 1.8 million acres across western Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, it is known for its rugged ridges, dense pine and hardwood forests, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and extensive network of trails. Long before becoming a national forest, these mountains were home to Indigenous peoples, including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw, who relied on the area’s abundant natural resources. During the late 1800s, widespread logging transformed much of the landscape, leading to federal protection and restoration efforts. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built many of the roads, campgrounds, trails, and recreation areas that visitors still enjoy today. Whether you’re exploring by off-road vehicle, hiking, camping, or simply taking in the views, the Ouachita National Forest offers a unique blend of rich history, diverse wildlife, and some of the most scenic public lands in the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains.
