Pigeon Roost Trail

 

We have done hike to Pigeon Roost Trail on 1st November 2026 . It is located in Benton County, Arkansas State.

Hike Location

Name: Pigeon Roost Trail - Dry Creek Loop

Distance: 20 miles from Walton Gym (approx.)

Total hiking distance: ~4.4 miles

Elevation Gain: ~570 ft.

Hike Team: Indrajeet, Ishaan, Amita, Sujit, Tripura, Christian, Nishant, Nitin, Shawn and me.

Hiking Experience 

After many discussions, deliberations finally succeeded in persuading most of the team for hike this Sunday. Though everyone said they would come , am still doubtful until the day comes and we start for hike. It rained for several hours on Saturday raising concerns for Sunday's hike and people tried to take advantage of this to skip the hike on Sunday. However me, being someone, who like to pester people until they agree, kept on following up and even changed location to make sure everyone participate. Despite all the efforts, as expected we still had two drop outs. Hoping no dropouts for our next hike. Though it rained the previous day, next day morning(Sunday) there was no rain and weather seemed perfect for our hike. It was warm, cloudy and light breeze. We decided to meet at Walton Gym around 8 am. We have two first timers Tripura(along with Sujit) and Christian. Most of us reached by 8 am with few reached by 8:05 am. Christian already was near the hike location(not sure if he was warming up as this was his first hike). Tripura mentioned she was running late, as her family had their own deliberation about the hike, distance just like evaluation(go/no go) of any project before delivery. 

While we were waiting at the gym parking lot Shawn teased with his new boots he has taken yesterday for the hike. Shoes are too good and I, who also planning to take shoes got interested to buy the similar ozark shoes and immediately decided to take from Walmart before Tripura arrives. Shawn and me set off to Walmart. I got the new shoes, wore them and we started to the trail location while others started from the gym. Shawn has this BMW sports car. It was like a roller coaster ride. We opened the roof top, passing through bridges, curvy roads with fall colour trees on both sides giving the best experience for riding on such a car. It felt like Shawn operating a car in a video game with sharp turns, easy maneuver and sharp brakes. We reached the parking lot around 9:17 am . we both are last to reach there, others have already reached. Christian also reached. He is the most silent person in our group. We need to keep an eye on him or might disappear. Around 9:20 we started the hike, took the white blazed trail(Dry Creek Loop) which is the short version of the hike. It was really a perfect timing for doing the hike. there were few cars in the parking lot, so we were not alone. This trail is strictly for hikers (pets allowed). 

We all were very excited and got started with great enthusiasm supported by the weather. It was a wide trail with large trees on both sides. Being fall season , we witnessed great fall colours and there were many leaves which have fallen off on the trail. This made our path like a smooth flower bed. As we were going further deep into the forest, we saw huge trees completely uprooted and burnt. Nishant, who generally tries to dig into history of places, informed that there was a tornado in this area couple of years back which caused this. Initially the trail was slightly going down and we hiked with great pace , enjoying the scenic views of the trees in the cloudy cool breeze weather. As expected by our team soon we split into groups each group immersed in their own discussions ignoring the presence of others or fellow hikers or natural life around us. Shawn was commenting about trail being wide and then trail got narrower with only one person can walk at a time. There are small stones along the path and little moiset due to the previous night rainfall. Not just narrow the trail also was traversing round the hill, and it was valley to one side and one slip could take us down the valley. 

we carefully hiked further. the trail got steepr as it became narrower and naturally pace got reduced. We were hiking in file like ants marching in one line. The good part with our team is each of us dont stick to one group, keep shifting groups making fresh new conversations(hopefully not same interview questions) but still ignoring rest of the living world. With our friend Sun not being there we didnt feel the heat while hiking the steep slope of the trial(I know not a good thing to say about friend), but we missed him to make the trees more lively. We followed the white blazed trail, it was properly marked and we took right diversions to make sure we are on track. Slowly our enthusiasm is fading out(that tired expressions, long silences speak about it) but we continued further hiking those steep slopes trying to enjoy the scenery of the trees, valley and huge rocks to the lest of the trail. Shawn's camera unable to sit quite in his 30 lbs backpack, came out and started taking picutres on some of the splendid views of the trees and leaves. Occasionally we need to search for Shawn (his Camera) to mae sure he is still on track and with the group. While we are almost at a point of complete exhaustion after all the steep slope, the trail became wider and flatten and covered with leaves. It was like walking on red carpet and now all groups became one and as a single group we continue walking appreciating the reward after all the hard work. We saw water stream to our left and soon reached the famous view point of the lake. There were huge rocks before the shore line to sit, enjoy the picturesque scene of the lake. 

We took a break here to rest, take good pictures and get immersed into the natural scenic view of the fresh green coloured water surrounded by huge rock boulders with fall colour trees behind. Finally Shawn got chance to showcase his photographic skills. He took his time to setup his tripod and taken some outstanding pictures for the view as well for us. Ishaan wanted to take this experience to next level and pulled up his drone, but unfortunately even the drone which took a liking to the beautiful lake and forest view got lost into the woods leaving behind its owner. Nitin quietly took good pictures of the scene, while Christian as usual silent observer of all the discussions and views. Nishant who is very picky about food/flavours when it comes to chips started eating barbecue flavoured chips (which he does not like) , as though they are the most delicious food he has ever eaten. That shows the exhaustion of us after all the hike. We all had our share of the hike except for Indrajeet who stayed true to his health consciousness. Sujit who kept on avoiding being clicked on our cameras , himself asked for pictures at this scenic view from Shawn. It explains Shawn's skills and natural views. We took good amount of rest and then waiting good deal of time for Shawn to pack his tripod, lenses back. Lot of patience is needed to unpack and pack along with adjusting the lenses. Seems like someone who has fishing experience can get used to this. We set off to continue the rest of the hike. By the forgot to mention, we brought food along with us for this hike. After all the rest the only motivation to put ourself into this hardship of hike is the great food that Tripura teased us with. The trail was wide and flat initially and then it got narrower and steep as we need to reach the top of the hill where we parked the cars. Again we were walking in a file but this time we have only food in mind. 

we completed the loop and now walking the same path we came before where we saw the burnt and uprooted trees. We finally reached the parking lot around 12:00 pm, fully exhausted. We took team picture(ofcourse not from Shawn tripod and camera as we dont have energy to wait anymore to have food). Then We have food from Tripura(Rayalaseema special Rice and Dal) , Amita(Tepla and Curry), Me(Rice and Fried Dumplings). Food was delicious. It was really great to have such good food after a hard days work. Christian who never ate Indian food before, upon our persistent requests(which we are good at) agreed to taste the flavours. Not sure if he would ever hike with us again(I mean after the food).  We had a stomach full lunch. We got two souvenirs , one Shawn took a orange coloured maple leave and Nitin's white jacket got stained with some pink colour(from one of the wild berry fruits presumably). We left the parking lot around 1:10 pm we reached Walton Gym again amazing go karting race in Shawn's car. It was great strenuous hike with amazing team and wonderful memorable experience. All is Well.
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Blowing Springs Park

We had done hike at Blowing Springs Park on 18th October 2026 . It is located in Bella Vista, Arkansas State.

Hike Location

Name: Blowing Springs Park Extended Loop

Distance: 8 miles from Walton Gym (approx.)

Total hiking distance: ~3.9 miles

Elevation Gain: ~357 ft.

Hike Team: Indrajeet, Amita, Madhuri, Nishant, Shawn and me.

Hiking Experience

    Today was great weather to go for a hike, however seems like its another lazy Sunday for most of us as two members dropped out early in the morning and most of us got up late or their errands tied them up. We were supposed to meet at 10 am at Walton gym and then reach to our destination by 10:30 am but we all directly reached Blowing Springs Park parking lot as 10 am seems too early in the morning. For a change Nishant was the first to reach the parking lot(learnt from previous hike maybe). While Nishant and me figuring our our hike trail, Amita and Indrajeet came in their "TESLA" car. As we know there will always be something special about the Car, this time it was about Halloween. we get to see the new Halloween theme of the car(flying ghost), where it is interactive with all the pumpkins, boos, skeletons and witch popping on the screen based on interactions on the screen. Also whenever the car locks it produces sound similar to halloween boo sound. Initially we thought it was dog which is passing by , later Amita revealed it was their car. Then came Shawn in his BMW convertible sports car. he was accelerating while reaching parking lot not sure if intentional :) . It was 10:33 and then Madhuri informed saying she need another 10 mins , like Nishant in last hike. While waiting for Madhuri , Amita took no time to give demo to Shawn of the Tesla's Halloween theme. There were lot of cars with bikes in the parking lot, seems like this was popular biking trail. Madhuri reached the spot and we immediately set out for hike at 10:45 am, unfortunately she missed the demo! Shawn packed his camera and his backpack weighed almost 30 lbs.

The trail led us into the hill covered with trees on both sides. It was moderate slope and with little cold breeze we hiked further. The trail was narrow with two people can walk side by side and there were proper sign posts about the trail and directions as there are multiple trails and intertwine along the way. Since this is first time for Madhuri to join us in hike, Amita started investigation about her (I mean interaction). it was steady slope along the trail with sunlight trying to reach us through the gaps in the trees and leaves which helped us not to get overheat or cold. There were lot of huge rocks like steps along the trail. Though there was no water flowing, the trail or rocks are not completely dry, indicating there was rain earlier. Actually there supposed to be waterfall and good scenic views in the trail but looks like due to extra hot climate for past few months everything ran dry. There were many bikers crossing us, they seem more happy energetic than we who are on foot. The trail was lot of twist and sharp turns so we need to watch out for the signs to make sure we are on the trail. Amita and Madhuri hiked with great speed as the interview is going on not worrying about where the rest of us are there. Shawn and me involved in conversations about mountain biking and decided to do it next time. Nishant and Indrajeet were too engrossed about food options, which and where food is good, enjoying the trail scenery and were trailing behind. AT one point the slope was little steep but we did not notice or feel it much as we were busy in conversations.

There were huge rocks on right of our trail. We were traversing the hill , so to our left is sliding down the mountain. At one point of trail there were small tiny adorable statues of hedgehog and snow white dwarves. We took a short break to make sure we all are together and then hiked further. There were metal grills on the trail for bikers to pass through. WE continue with same pace and kept going forward, in between looking at map to make sure we are on right path. Soon we reached a small foot over bridge over a small creek. We decided to take a break here and watch the creek and small fishes in the water. We thought this is the best place for our photographer to setup his camera(tripod). As always I took the chance to boast about my hiking experience in Mumbai. Shawn setup his camera which keeps clicking the photo until it feels the picture is good, while there were more than 20 clicks, Indrajeet had enough of it and we are good with the pics taken by the AI camera. We just continued the trail and reached our parking lot , it was just opposite. we completed the whole loop in about 1 hour 30 mins. It was a great hike, nice experience and memorable. All is Well.

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Shaddox Hollow Trail

We had done hike to Shaddox Hollow Trail on 11th October 2026 . It is located in Benton County, Arkansas State.

Hike Location

Name: Shaddox Hollow Trail

Distance: 18 miles from Walton Gym (approx.)

Total hiking distance: 1.5 miles

Elevation Gain: ~300 ft.

Hike Team: Abdul, Nishant, Nitin, Shawn and me.

Hiking Experience 

  Today was the first hike for this year for us. Though it looks late but never late to hike as long as we have good weather. we planned to start from walton gym at 8. Abdul and me reached the parking. Shawn just arrived in his new black mercedes convertible. First he found parking between two cars (lot of space), but decided to move on chose the spot near the wall(compact). Parked the car - after couple of to and fro turns. while trying to open the door, found not enough space for the door to open, took out the car and parked in the previous spot. whole thing looked like some one practicing car parking. Nishant, our cab service was waiting for anyone to message if they are coming late - waited for exactly 8 am to send a message that will start. To his surprise others reached gym sharp 8 am including Nitin. While we are waiting for Nishant to arrive, we interviewed Nitin, as he joined us for the first time. We started around 8:25 am and around 8:55 am, Nishant mentioned we lost our way to headed in wrong direction as we were using Nishant's car (Hyundai Palisade) in-built navigation. we switched to google map and located the direction and reached our destination around 9:07 am. The parking lot was full and there was a training team, they were training on how to recover things and person lost in the wild. They told us not to remove any items if we found, as they are placed intentionally for training. 

It was a nice hot sunny weather. The trail was narrow with full of small rocks and going downhill. It looked easy as we hiked down the slope with huge trees on both sides providing good shade. Soon we found the first clue(a cell phone) placed near one of the tree to left of the trail. As we just started the hike, we were very energetic and climbed down faster going into the midst of the forest following the white blazed trail. we were talking random topics off the mind , specially about nearby places for cabins, tents and other water activities which continue for rest of our journey. There were wooden steps taking us further down the trail beside huge rocks. Soon we reached an intersection with blue blazed trail, which led to Beaver lake shoreline. We expected lot of water to be there along the creek, however we were visited with barren land along the shore. there was water/lake at far off distance and lot of dead trees in the water. What surprised us is the trees which are not in water grown good and have fall colours, however those in the water are dead trees with just wooden trunks. Seems like excess water can kill the trees. we thought of utilizing Shawn's camera to take good pictures here, but unfortunately was not a scenic view. Shawn was carrying the heavy camera along with tripod to get most of it, but nature has other plans. We head back to our trail and continue our hike. Now the trail started uphill. There were huge rock formations(limestone) along the left side of the trail. we passed those and steep started to rise making it challenging. As we were immersed in talking we didn't stop to acknowledge or admire the steepness or the forest around us and kept going forward. Soon we reached the parking lot in short time. we expected the trail to be more but in one happy to get to rest from that steep trail. Abdul and Nishant were still on the trail hiking slowly and felt good to see the trail loop is complete. we completed the hike by 9:48 am.

Shawn was desperate to use his camera , so we decided to snap a photo of us at the trail-board. He setup his tripod with some struggle only to realize he forgot memory card. But due to his extensive planning, he searched all his bags to look for the backup memory card. Bingo! he spotted the backup card in one of the secret pockets of the bag(seems like learned from previous experience). We are back on track to have the photo. he adjust the camera and then realized the battery is dead. Again his planning came to rescue where he has battery backups. He quickly replaced the battery and finally able to get some awesome pictures. It was one of the short and wonderful trail with good memories. It definitely is moderate especially the last half mile of the loop which was indeed very steep. As we still have time we decided to play pickle ball at walton gym. We head back to Nishant's car and started to gym. Abdul, as usual looking for comfort, sitting in the middle row trying to look for AC controller , then Nishant turned the car seats to cool. His car has seat coolers for first and second row only. Shawn who was in the third row looked for it, but unlike him Nishant/Hyundai does not have backup plan. He was atleast happy he has air vents to third row. we reached gym by 10:33 am. Had a great time with team. All is Well.

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