Skip to main content
Hard

Summit Trail

Heber Springs, Arkansas · Cleburne County · lwn · Sugarloaf Heritage Council

Summit Trail is a hard hiking trail near Heber Springs in Cleburne County, Arkansas.. Managed by Sugarloaf Heritage Council. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Advertisement
35.49131, -91.98614
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Summit Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High86°F
Avg Low65°F
Peak Rain Chance13%
Humidity77%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality30 · Good
Today
Thunderstorm
86°/68°
💧 5%🌬 6mph
5:54 AM8:16 PM
Sun
Thunderstorm
89°/68°
💧 7%🌬 5mph
5:54 AM8:17 PM
Mon
Thunderstorm
92°/68°
💧 13%🌬 12mph
5:53 AM8:17 PM
Tue
🌦
Light Drizzle
81°/66°
💧 5%🌬 12mph
5:53 AM8:18 PM
Wed
🌦
Light Drizzle
80°/54°
💧 1%🌬 11mph
5:53 AM8:19 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Summit Trail

Summit Trail is a hard hiking trail near Heber Springs in Cleburne County, Arkansas.. Managed by Sugarloaf Heritage Council. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 8)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🔦
    Headlamp + spare batteries
    Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Arkansas

Trail conditions in Arkansas change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Summit Trail?

Summit Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

When is the best time to hike Summit Trail?

Arkansas has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Summit Trail?

Summit Trail is managed by Sugarloaf Heritage Council as part of the lwn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.