Iron Mountain Natural Area is a little known area located southwest of Mena, Arkansas. This 261 acre natural area is managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. The ANHC manages 63 different areas in Arkansas. These "islands" preserve Arkansas' native habitat as well as provide many recreational opportunities.
The Iron Mountain Natural Area is one of only five natural areas that contain hiking trails. The trail is a 1.5 mile loop that follows a small stream (Paul Branch) which bisects the natural area.
It was a cloudy day when my wife and I visited Iron Mountain. After parking at the trail head along County Road 169, which is bordered very closely by private property, we began our hike. There appeared to be quite a bit of work going on within the natural area. There were several survey markers and flagging around the trail as well as obvious signs of trail maintenance. The trail was well marked by blue plastic diamond shaped blazes.
A short distance from the trail head you will reach Paul Branch where the trail splits. To the left the trail continues along beside the stream and to the right it crosses Paul Branch and continues uphill. As you will have to cross the stream here on your return and at the mid point it would be a good time to judge whether or not to cross downstream or circle back, depending on the water level.
Continuing left, the trail is fairly level. There are several narrow spots due to erosion and lots of small hops over tributaries of the stream. Old ATV trails intersect the trail at several places and in wet weather could cause for some wet feet so be prepared.
The trail passes through the typical pine, oak, and hickory forest. There is also the occasional cedar mixed in as well. The one constant along the trail is the sight and sounds of Paul Branch. As you follow the trail downstream you are constantly rewarded by the soft soothing sounds of the running water and picturesque beauty of a mountain stream.
The stream widens as you pass through a grove of cedar trees and begin a more uphill hike. There are some low branches and trees down in the corridor but nothing that isn't easily avoided. The trail finally reaches an older road at the north border of the natural area as the trail swings downhill to the right. As we approached the stream, we were treated by the sight of a woodpecker vigorously working for some food on a nearby tree. He was busy at his work and didn't mind the two onlookers staring up at him.
You will cross the stream at this point. There is a wonderful little rock formation nearby which makes a nice spot to stop and picnic or just relax to the sounds of the running water.
The trail heads south along the opposite side of the stream from this point. This part of the trail has many more trees and branches in the corridor. Several of the blazed trees have fallen and with the debris in the way it can be sometimes hard to make out the trail. There are a lot more ups and downs also, making this section more moderate.
There will be a large uphill climb towards the end. Watch your footing, especially downhill, as the fallen leaves conceal hidden rocks and small holes which could cause a fall. You will eventually arrive back at, and cross, the stream where it had split in the beginning of your hike. After that simply follow the trail in reverse back to the trail head. Of course most of that will be uphill. =)
The best times to hike this trail would be in the spring and fall when Paul Branch is running. The colors of fall and the wildflowers of spring also add to an enjoyable hike. With the numerous places for water to collect I would avoid this trail during the warmer months when the bugs will be out.
Directions:
From Mena, travel approximately 7.1 miles southwest on U.S. Highway 71 through and beyond Potter Junction. Turn right on County Road 168 and travel 0.2 mile to fork. Turn right on County Road 169 and travel 0.3 mile to parking area on right.
Length: 1.5 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate (this could lower as more trail maintenance is completed)
Scenic Beauty: 3
Child Friendly: Children under eight will need help in certain places. Older children should be fine.
