Sawmill Road to Hells Hole — Ouachita National Forest Fourche Mountain Divide via Rich Mountain Road
Arkansas clay ridge — no crowds, no mercy.
Fourche Mountain is the kind of place that Arkansas locals know about and nobody else does. The route begins off Arkansas Highway 28 west of Plainview, picking up USFS Road 132 and climbing the narrow ridge of Fourche Mountain through dense shortleaf pine and mixed hardwood. The road traces the divide at roughly 2,400 feet — modest by Rocky Mountain standards, but the ridge is genuine backcountry with no services and limited escape routes. Hells Hole, a steep boulder-choked drainage on the mountain’s north face, is the payoff — a viewpoint over a remote hollow that sees almost no foot traffic. The route connects with Rich Mountain Road near Oden and can be linked to the Talimena Scenic Drive for a longer circuit through the Ouachita’s western high country.
This is an Ouachita clay road, which means dry season is non-negotiable if you want to keep moving. After even moderate rain the clay becomes axle-deep slop that will defeat anything without good mud tires and lockers. A high-clearance 4WD with mud-terrain rubber is the minimum; a locker on the rear axle earns its keep here. No permit required. Best season is May through October in dry stretches. The USFS Ouachita National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map covers this area and is worth printing before you go. No potable water on route. Dispersed camping permitted on National Forest land.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day–1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2461 ft |
| Best season | May–October (dry stretches only) |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with mud-terrain tires |
| Nearest town | Plainview, AR |
| Land manager | Ouachita National Forest — Fourche Mountain Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Ouachita National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock Wrangler Rubicon or 4Runner TRD Pro can manage it in dry conditions, but mud-terrain tires are non-negotiable on Ouachita clay. Lift and lockers become important if you hit the trail within a few days of rain — that red clay will swallow all-seasons whole.
What's the trail like after rain, and when is it actually safe to run?
Arkansas red clay turns into greased glass after any significant rainfall — this trail earns its 'difficult' rating fast when wet. Stick to May–October and give it at least 3–5 days of dry weather after rain before you attempt it; the ridgeline clay holds moisture longer than you'd expect.
Do I need a permit or pass to drive Sawmill Road into Ouachita National Forest?
No permit required and no fee to access the trail — it's National Forest land managed by the Fourche Mountain Ranger District. Dispersed camping is allowed under standard USFS rules: 14-day stay limit, no established sites, pack everything out.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The ridge narrows approaching Hells Hole, where the shelf road tightens and off-camber clay slopes give you limited room for error. Loose shale mixed into the clay on steeper pitches can kick the rear out unexpectedly — take it slow, pick your line early, and don't expect a wide spot to turn around if you second-guess yourself.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any water on trail?
Plainview is the closest town but has limited services — fuel up in Danville or Russellville before you head in. There are water crossings on trail but treat anything you take from them; carry at least 2 gallons per person since you'll have zero cell service and no bailout if something goes sideways.
Trail track
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