Ozark Society Highlands Chapter Day Hike:  McWater-Lake Alma Trail, Lake Alma Arkansas

Day, Date: Saturday, 3/14/26

Name of Hike: McWater-Lake Alma Trail

Location: Lake Alma, Alma Arkansas

Type of Hike: Loop trail

Hike Distance: 4.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 351ft.

Rating: Moderate

Features:  When the original Lake Alma hiking trail was refurbished and re-routed to become a multi-use trail, the part of the old original trail which remained intact was renamed the McWater Trail.  Today, the McWater Trail weaves in and out of the newer Lake Alma Trail, as it wraps around Lake Alma. The McWater Trail also continues to access McWater Falls which the newer Lake Alma Trail bypasses.  The hike on both overlapping trails includes bluff lines, small cascading waterfalls and moss-covered boulders.  Prepare for a stream crossing or two. This trail is situated in a shady hardwood forest, giving hikers a chance to see wildlife such as rabbits, foxes, or deer. There is an abandoned settler home site with a preserved brick fireplace and other remnants of a past settlement.

Hike Leaders: Chris and Les Kline

Contact Information: ckline901@gmail.com

Meeting Place and Time:

• Meet at 9:00 am on the Northeast corner of the WalMart Superstore parking lot on Martin Luther King BLVD in Fayetteville AR; or,
• Meet at 9:50 am at the Lake Alma Trail Head at the parking lot near the restrooms in Alma AR.
• For Google Map to trailhead see:  lake alma trail – Google Maps 
• Comment:  Bring water, snack, lunch, rain gear, gloves, and wear hiking boots/shoes.  Hiking poles may be helpful.  No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian.   Participants are required to sign a liability release at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing.  Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.  http://www.ozarksociety.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OS-Sign-Up_Sheet