Haynes Ridge Overlook & Lower Canyon Trails

This log covers the Lower Canyon Trail as well as the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail.

I started this hike with a friend at the Little Red campground.  We took the Lower Canyon Trail (Trail F) to the base of the Haynes Ridge, then scrambled up the hill to the top of the overlook.  We then hiked along the top of the ridge (Trail B) to the Fern Cave and then back out of the valley on the Upper Canyon trail (Trail C).  This part of the hike was scenic, fairly well-maintained and challenging.

We then continued hiking on the Lower Canyon Trail (Trail E) and then back along the Little Red River on the Lower Canyon Trail (Trail F).  This part of the trail was flat, poorly marked, and poorly maintained.  For several times, we found ourselves hiking along the dry riverbed and it wasn't clear if we were on the official trail or not.  The temperature was very hot (106 degrees F), which made the latter part of our hike more brutal and withering.