Luna Moth Trail

Not gonna lie; I was not only riding the struggle bus this morning, I was driving the damn thing. After last weekend’s amazing little hike, I expected today’s to be much the same. However, my calves and ankles decided to burn for the first 1.5 to 2 miles as they do sometimes. I also didn’t have my audiobook in my ear for the first half (currently Rick Steves’, Travel as a Political Act), so that may have contributed to the perceived difficulty. The humidity certainly didn’t help. I know I’m in for a fun time when the bandana I tie to my pack is damp before I ever wipe my forehead.

The trail itself is lovely with no overgrown grass. There isn’t a view, just the forest, which is fine with me, but it looked like there would be quite a few little creek crossings in the wet season. The Blue Mountain Natural area is the newest trail system in the area and includes both hiking and mountain biking trails. The Luna Moth trail can be combined with the Tarantula Hawk Trail to make a 4.6 mile loop, though you will probably encounter more bikers on the Tarantula Hawk section. The Luna Moth itself is a 3.2 mile loop with an elevation gain of 177 feet. It was a nice, peaceful stroll until the trail runners and bikers showed up (I guess they need to yell in order to hear each other).

You can trust the Blue Mountain Natural Area location pin in Google Maps, even though the photo doesn’t show the gravel parking lot that is now there. The gate opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.

Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and The Nature Conservancy worked with Affordable Trail Solutions to create the trails. The Blue Mountain trails now connect to the Rattlesnake Ridge trails and the ultimate goal is to connect all the way to Two Rivers Park.