Last updated: January 27, 2023
Thing to Do
Hike the Cecil Cove Loop
Arkansas Tourism
The Cecil Cove Trail begins near the historic Erbie Church, and begins a gentle descent down an old wagon road. The trail winds through the wooded valley following Cecil Creek creating a nice moderate hike for visitors. The trail crosses the Cecil Creek 5 times along this first section of trail, so the creek may not be passable during rainy season due to high water. The trail continues at a nice moderate pace for the first 2.0 miles. The Cecil Cove Trail then begins a steep ascent up the mountain, climbing more than 500 ft. The trail passes old home sites, historic cemeteries, and provides beautiful scenic views during leaf off. The upper section of the trail is known to be fairly muddy throughout much of the year, especially during rainy season. The trail travels another 3.0 miles and intersects with the Compton-Erbie Road. The last section of the trail follows the Compton-Erbie Road down the mountain approximately 2.0 miles, ending at the trailhead where you began.
CAUTION: Starting in 2021 the Cecil Cove Trail experienced and continues to experience landslides. Please proceed on the trail at your own risk and use extreme caution when hiking in this area.
CAUTION: Starting in 2021 the Cecil Cove Trail experienced and continues to experience landslides. Please proceed on the trail at your own risk and use extreme caution when hiking in this area.
Details
Duration
5-8 Hours
This is a popular backpacking loop for an overnight hiking/camping trip. For a day trip, plan for 5 to 8 hours to complete the loop.
Activity
Backcountry Hiking
The Cecil Cove Trail begins near the historic Erbie Church, and begins a gentle descent down an old wagon road. The trail winds through the wooded valley following Cecil Creek creating a nice moderate hike for visitors. The trail crosses the Cecil Creek 5 times along this first section of trail, so the creek may not be passable during rainy season due to high water. The trail continues at a nice moderate pace for the first 2.0 miles. The Cecil Cove Trail then begins a steep ascent up the mountain, climbing more than 500 ft. The trail passes old home sites, historic cemeteries, and provides beautiful scenic views during leaf off. The upper section of the trail is known to be fairly muddy throughout much of the year, especially during rainy season. The trail travels approximately 3.0 miles and intersects with the Old Compton-Erbie Road (The road is extremely rough; vehicle use is not recommended). The last section of the trail follows the Old Compton-Erbie Road down the mountain approximately 2.0 miles, ending at the trailhead where you began.
Age(s)
5 and Older
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on the Cecil Cove Loop. Service animals are permitted.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Cecil Cove Trailhead
The Cecil Cove Trailhead is located in the Erbie Historic District of Buffalo National River. This trailhead has a vault toilet available.
Directions: Take Hwy. 43 south out of Harrison and travel 18 miles to the town of Compton. Turn left across from the Compton Post Office and travel 6.3 miles down the Compton-Erbie Road to the trailhead, which will be on the left. The Compton-Erbie Road is a steep and narrow gravel road that should be driven with caution.
Alternative: Take Hwy. 7 south out of Harrison and travel 17 miles. Turn right onto the Erbie Campground Road (signs posted) and travel 7 miles down the dirt road to the trailhead. The dirt road is fairly rough; 4 wheel drive recommended. The low water crossing past the Erbie Campground may not be passable due to high water. To avoid the river crossing, take the Erbie Cutoff Road off of Hwy. 206 to the trailhead, which will be on your right. This route involves creek crossings that can also be treacherous and impassable during high water.
Directions: Take Hwy. 43 south out of Harrison and travel 18 miles to the town of Compton. Turn left across from the Compton Post Office and travel 6.3 miles down the Compton-Erbie Road to the trailhead, which will be on the left. The Compton-Erbie Road is a steep and narrow gravel road that should be driven with caution.
Alternative: Take Hwy. 7 south out of Harrison and travel 17 miles. Turn right onto the Erbie Campground Road (signs posted) and travel 7 miles down the dirt road to the trailhead. The dirt road is fairly rough; 4 wheel drive recommended. The low water crossing past the Erbie Campground may not be passable due to high water. To avoid the river crossing, take the Erbie Cutoff Road off of Hwy. 206 to the trailhead, which will be on your right. This route involves creek crossings that can also be treacherous and impassable during high water.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
After major rain events (primarily in springtime), creek crossings may be impassable and dangerous.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
This trail traverses steep, rocky, uneven terrain and has multiple creek crossings. Service animals permitted.
Map by Terra Fondriest