Pigeon Roost Trail at Hobbs State Park in Arkansas

Pigeon Roost Trail, located in Hobbs State Park and Conservation Area, is an 8.4 mile loop trail. The trailhead is located off of State Highway 12 in Rogers, Arkansas. While you can hike the trail in an afternoon, it is designed for hikers to spend the night on the trail. Five primitive camping sites are available at no charge to hikers.

History

Pigeon Roost Trail is named for the now extinct passenger pigeon. At one time, these pigeons would roost in the park, covering a five mile area from Van Winkle Hollow to the borders of Madison and Benton Counties. The last known stand of passenger pigeons was located along this area of Hobbs State Park and Conservation area.

Trail Overview

The trail head to Pigeon Roost trail is located off of Arkansas State Highway 12. Park in the gravel area. There is a restroom in the parking area. This is the only restroom on the trail. There are no benches or other facilities along the trail other than five primitive camping sites. Hikers must sign in and out at the trailhead.

There are two loops to the Pigeon Roost Trail. They combine to form a figure 8.

Hikers can take either loop or they can walk the entire 8.4 miles. Dry Creek Loop is 4.1 miles and Huckleberry Loop is 4.3 miles. The five camping sites are located along Huckleberry Loop.

Pigeon Roost trail is rated as moderate to strenuous. It is not stroller friendly and young children will have a difficult time on the trail. There are a few steep elevation changes. The main trail is marked with white blazons painted on trees. Blue blazons mark spur trails to Beaver Lake or campsites. The listed trail mileage does not include taking spur trails. Allow 2 ½ hours to complete the smaller loops or 4 plus hours to complete the entire 8.4 miles.

Bring plenty of water for the hike. Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes as the terrain is uneven and rocky. If you plan on staying overnight call the park or check in at the visitor's center prior to setting out to be sure that there are no other campers ahead of you. A camera and a set of binoculars are a must, bald eagles nest along the bluffs on Beaver Lake. Bald eagles are easiest to view in late fall through spring.

When to Visit

Anytime is a great time to hike the trail. Every season offers hikers a different experience. Winter offers unobstructed views of the lakes, bluffs and other geological features along the trail. Bald eagles are in abundance and can be seen soaring over Beaver Lake and throughout Hobbs State Park.

Spring is my favorite time to hike this particular trail. The changes in elevation bring the hiker through several different microclimates. Along the bluff lines, hardwood forests are common. Down along the lake there are many intermittent streams and the humid microclimate allows for ferns, flag iris, and other species to flourish. Wildflowers are everywhere along the trail in springtime.

Summer brings heat, humidity, and insects to the trail. Poison ivy and oak line trees and come close to the trail. Expect afternoon showers; bring rain gear. The forest canopy is in full leaf and views of the lake are limited to a few overlooks and campsite 1. Hikers can cool off with a swim in Beaver Lake. Swimmers can access the lake to swim on both loops of the trail.

Fall is another favorite time to hike pigeon loop trail. The eagles are returning, the temperatures are cooler and the forest is ablaze in color. Bring a camera to capture the amazing colors of the foliage as it reaches full color. Peak fall color happens in October.

Trail Details

There is a short spur trail to the actual trail. This takes you downhill going in, but it is a steep uphill climb coming out. There is no other access to the trail. After hiking down the spur trail a sign points you to the beginning of Dry Creek Loop, continue on this trail for about 2 miles. The elevation changes are not dramatic until you come to a set of stairs. Shortly after the stairs, Dry Creek Loop branches off to the right and Huckleberry loop continues straight ahead. The trail is well marked. Follow the Dry Creek Loop for a shorter hike, or continue along Huckleberry Loop to reach the campsites or to hike the complete 8.4 mile loop.

As you follow Huckleberry Loop the elevation changes often. You will pass several large sinkholes (large enough for a bus to fit in) and then the trail heads up to the bluff line along Beaver Lake. At about mile 4 (two miles in on the Huckleberry Loop), you will come to campsite 1 located off to the left. This campsite has the best view of the lake. About half a mile farther down the trail, campsite 2 is off to the right. It is another secluded campsite. At this point the trail heads downhill again. Finally campsites 3, 4, and 5 come into view. If you are camping with a group, these are better campsites than one and two. Campsite 3 heads off to the left, 4 and 5 are located off to the right. Continuing straight along the trail will bring you to a short spur trail where you can access Beaver Lake for swimming and fishing.

After passing the spur trail, you head back up along the bluff line and come to an intersection of Dry Creek Loop and Huckleberry Loop. To cut the hike short, make a right onto Dry Creek Loop to head back to the trailhead. Continue straight along the trail. Dry Creek Loop and the Huckleberry Loop are now the same trail. A spur trail to the Beaver Lake Overlook will be off to the left. It is well worth the short excursion to the lake. You will be able to sit out on the bluffs with an unobstructed view of the lake. Take the spur trail back up to the main trail, head to the left to continue to another swimming access point. The trail heads down into a valley where there vegetation changes dramatically. Ferns, mosses, flag iris, and other humid loving plants take the place of the forest understory. As you pass through this area, you will cross 3 footbridges. The trail will start to ascend up a hill and you will come back to where you started. Follow this to the trailhead.

Things to Note

Look for low bush blueberry stands, Ozark chinkapin tree saplings, and a signal or thong tree. The thong tree is within 100 yards from the trailhead. This is a tree that was bent into a right angle by Native Americans. It is used to mark important resources along a trail.

If you want to stay overnight at campsites 3, 4, or 5 it is faster to take the Dry Creek Loop and make a left at the second junction of Dry Creek Loop and Huckleberry Loop. Tired campers, especially kids, may appreciate the shortcut.

Pigeon Roost Trail is different each time you hike it. Hike a section of it each season to experience all this trail has to offer. While you are at Hobbs State Park, stop in at the visitor's center to find out more about the park and the other trails. I hope you enjoy your visit.