Painter Ridge Trail

We have been to Echo Bluff State Park several times, and somehow we have never hiked any of the trails. So early Saturday morning before the heat of the day took over we decided to get a taste and walk the 2 mile loop of the Painter Ridge Trail. Billy, Katie, Ben and I set off on a hike leaving Daniel and Debbie to explore Sinking Creek.

The Trailhead

The Painter Ridge Trail can be accessed from either the campground or from the upper shelter area. We chose to drive to the upper shelter area. This allowed us to take in the views from the overlook, and found that to be worthwhile. The entire parking area offers a view of the Ozark hillsides on all sides. If you walk into the pavilion, you can also get a distant view of Sinking Creek and the centerpiece of the park, Echo Bluff. The forest in this location is incredibly diverse. We found multiple species of oaks, sugar maples, basswood, ash, paw paw, persimmon, dogwood, and sumac all visible from just one spot.

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The Trail

Painter Ridge Trail turned out to be an easy hike. The rocky, earthen surface is loose in places but not too bad. The elevation changes are softened by switchbacks, and the vegetation is clear from the trail surface. The trail is signed in blue and/or red blazes. The only confusion arises when you come across the spurs to and from the trailheads. There are some jumps and other props set up for off-road bikers, but we did not encounter anyone on two wheels during our hike.

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We did find that for such a short trail the Painter Ridge Trail offered quite a bit in the way of diversity. From the upper trailhead the trail winds through hardwood forest with plenty of greenery and a wet weather creek. Then when the trail cuts to the right it enters more of a cedar glade area with much less vegetation and an entire new assortment of plants. At one point it does cross through a small open glade. For the most part, the trail is shaded. The trail does offer a few views of Sinking Creek, but I would imagine better views could be had in the winter. Lastly, the Painter Ridge Trail does guide you past a few rocky outcroppings for added interest.

Other Trails in the Park

Echo Bluff also offers an out and back trail that begins in the park and travels about 5.4 miles to Current River State Park. Since we were on a family vacation that included late nights and lots of time on a chair soaking up the sun in the middle of Sinking Creek, I didn’t quite have the legs for this one. However, it is on my target list for next time as that visit is only a few weeks from my next rim to rim hike in the Grand Canyon and I will need the training. In addition, there is access to the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry adding an additional 30 or so miles of trails from the park.

For more information on these options, check these out:

https://echobluffstatepark.com/

https://ladfoundation.org/pioneer-forest/roger-pryor-pioneer-backcountry/

I have said it before, but Echo Bluff State Park and the surrounding area really does offer something for everyone. I believe that the Painter Ridge Trail is a worthwhile hike for anyone visiting the park and within most skill levels. Give it a try.