Mossback Ridge Trail, AR

This is one trail that needs to be re-aligned! They ran this trail up and over the ridge portion of the hill, and just slightly south there are really nice cliff edges that would be a much more scenic traverse, similar to Bear Hollow trail or North Rim Trail. Instead, this winds along under a tree canopy that blocks out all vista views. Oh, well, maybe the contrast is nice?


Named for Albert Morsbach, a settler, farmer, and teacher... must have mis-pronounced his name?This trail connects four other trails: Benefield West Loop, Greenfield, North Rim, and Signal Hill. On the far west end you may cross the paved road and head up to the State High Point: Signal Hill, or, turn right on the pavement and cross over to connect with the North Rim Trail (possibly for a nice long loop via Will Apple's Road trail and Bear Hollow Trail?) Midway along Mossback Trail you will intersect Greenfield trail which could carry you directly over to the Greenfield Picnic area and the Visitor Center/Ranger Station. The East end of the trail is at the Benefield Picnic area, connecting nicely with both of those loops... and really, the far west end of Bear Hollow Trail.

Most of the walking is easy on top of the ridge... walking west to east there is a bit of an uphill to gain the ridge line.

Trail Regulations
To protect the environment and for safety it is unlawful to:

Posses alcoholic beverages on trails
Carry glass containers on trails
Litter
Camp overnight on trails within the state park
Deface natural or cultural features
Allow pets off leash
Ride bikes on trails other than Will Apple's Road Trail and Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail
Ride horses or ATVs on trails other than Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail
Harass, hunt, or kill wildlife in the state park
Pick flowers or remove plants
VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO BEING FINED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Hiker Hints
STAY ON MARKED TRAILS Leaving established trails often creates new and confusing trails. This can also destroy rare and delicate wildflowers, and cause detrimental erosion.

WATCH YOUR STEP Some trails take you to the brink of bluffs. to avoid accidents, be cautious of loose or wet rocks. be aware of rough terrain. Wear hiking boots, carry walking sticks, and drink plenty of water.

DO NO HARM Cutting switchbacks, picking flowers, throwing rocks, and littering area few ways people destroy the very environment they came to enjoy. All plants and animals are protected within the park.

AVOID UNWANTED ENCOUNTERS Poison ivy is a common plant along many trails. Snakes will be seen from time to time. To avoid encounters with either, remain on designated trails.

BE AWARE OF BEARS Yes, there are black bears on Mount Magazine. They usually avoid humans. However, bears are attracted to food. Do not feed bears and never bring food into your tent. If you encounter a bear on a trail, slowly back away and keep your distance.

2010-03-26 imike