Shaddox Trail at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area in Arkansas

The Shaddox Trail at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area located just outside of Rogers, Arkansas offers a fairly easy hike for all ages. The trail is named for Solomon Shaddox, an early settler of this area.

The Shaddox Trail at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area is free to use. Foot traffic only; no bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed. Dogs are permitted as long as they are on a leash.

Shaddox Trail offers hikers a 1.5 mile walk through a typical Ozark forest. Hikers can view icicles during the winter, lots of wildlife in spring and summer, and wonderful foliage in the fall. Of particular interest are the bluffs and disappearing stream beds. In addition, hikers should pay attention to see if they can spot "Thong Trees". A thong tree, or signal tree, is a tree that has been deliberately bent into two right angles. The Native Americans used these trees to mark caves and other areas of importance. A spur trail to the shores of Beaver Lake is off of this trail. Look for blue trail markers. In fall and winter, bald eagles can be viewed perching on some of the larger trees.

Shaddox Trail at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area is rated easy to moderate. It is an excellent trail for kids and beginning hikers. There is a change in altitude of about 300 feet in each direction. Climbing through the bluffs is somewhat strenuous and there is a steep set of steps to climb. The trail is mostly a single file trail. Shaddox Trail is well marked with white blazons on the trees. Most of the trail is a gravel pathway.

Shaddox Trail

Parking is free and the trailhead is just off of the parking lot. At the trailhead, be sure to sign in and sign out when you leave. There is a box with a sign in sheet and pencil. Wear sturdy boots or sneakers. Avoid sandals or open toed shoes. Bring water, a snack for kids, and a sweater and hat. Remember to bring your camera. Allow about an hour to complete the trail.

Shaddox Trail at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area is a 1.5 mile loop trail. This description is written by taking the trail clockwise, to the left of the trailhead. From the trailhead, Shaddox Trail immediately starts to descend down into the valley along a winding path. It is a single wide pathway that snakes its way through the Ozark forest. One of the first features you will come across is a shelter bluff. Across the ravine from this shelter bluff are other bluffs. In the winter some of these have frozen waterfalls and icicles. One "cave" along the bluff looks like a mouth with teeth because of the icicles in the wintertime.

Passing through the shelter bluffs, Shaddox Trail zigzags along through the forest and brings the hiker to a dry stream bed. One can follow this down to the shores of Beaver Lake (look for blue trail markers) or continue along the trail. At this point you have descended about 300 feet and are at the lowest point of the trail. Shortly after the stream bed, Shaddox Trail starts its ascent to another set of bluffs. A large open cave is just off the trail at this point. A spur trail leads up to it. Exploring should only take a few minutes, it is not a deep cave; no equipment is required. However, it is enjoyable to climb in. Kids especially like to explore here. The trail starts to get somewhat steep in this area. It will pass between two large boulders and there is a steep set of stairs to climb here. One you pass through the boulders, stairs and bluffs the steepest part of the trail is completed and you have ascended close to 300 feet. Take time when in the bluffs to look for bald eagles and other wildlife. From the bluffs, the trail continues to gradually ascend up through the forest and then flattens out. Once the trail flattens out it is just a short walk back to the trailhead.

Shaddox Trail is one of the easier trails in Hobbs State Park Conservation Area. Guided tours are available. Contact Hobbs State Park for More information. The park office is located on 21392 East Highway 12, Rogers, Arkansas 72756. Call the park office at (479) 789-2380. Email them at hobbs@arkansas.com.

To read other articles on parks by this author, click on the links below:

The Best Campgrounds for Kids in Adirondack Park

Great Scenic Driving Tours of Adirondack Park

Upstate New York RV Campgrounds

Summer Guide to Visiting Thousand Island Region of New York

Sources:

Friends of Hobbs State Park