Approximately 40 volunteers helped Al Knox, Hobbs Trail Maintenance Supervisor, complete the main trail tread of the new War Eagle Valley Loop of the Hidden Diversity Multi-Use Trail at Hobbs State Park - Conservation Area. Most of the work was accomplished between February 2007 and May of 2008.

The new loop boasts two scenic overlooks, with connecting spur trails, and new trail signs. Currently, the trail can be accessed at two points, both connecting to an existing section of the Hidden Diversity Multi-Use Trail along the east side of Townsend Ridge Road. The two connecting intersections are marked with signs on steel standards. The new War Eagle Valley Loop Trail is marked with 2x6 inch white tree blazes; the same as the rest of the Hidden Diversity Trail. Future plans call for a spur trail to connect with campgrounds in the War Eagle Creek valley, plus another road access as well.

Hikers, bikers, and equestrians will travel 5.8 miles if they go the entire loop, and return to their point of beginning.For most people, the starting point will be the main trail access on Townsend Ridge Road. From this starting point, and just across Townsend Ridge Road, the trail distance to the War Eagle Creek bluff overlook is approximately one mile. The view is wonderful both up and down stream. From this position, trail users can view several miles of War Eagle Valley upstream and nearly a mile downstream.

It is an easy hike mostly following a ridge top, but has three hills to climb, and a couple of switchbacks. One can hike down to the creek, spend a few hours, and hike back the same way in a half day.

The center trail section packs a mile of trail in a half square mile of rugged terrain. It follows old logging roadbeds adjacent to deeply eroded dry streams in two separate hollows, which converge into the old Jeske farm place. Upstream, the trail leaves both hollows and climbs and twists its way to ridge tops and crosses more old logging roads.

Wintering eagles, deer, turkey and other animals and birds, as well as dozens of different native trees and wildflower varieties can be seen in this area. Several rare nut bearing Ozark chinquapin trees have been found along this trail.

According to Hobbs Trail Maintenance Supervisor, Al Knox, "Other features in the valley include a very old, decaying dwelling, large native pecan trees, a small spring fed stream, two long hollows ('hollers') with mostly dry steam beds and lush vegetation. Large blackberry patches, tall grass, and other bushes are covering up the previously farmed bottom land next to the creek. This trail loop may have more geological, plant, animal, recreational, and scenic diversity than the other sections of the Hobbs Multi-Use Trail."

With .8 mile of water frontage on War Eagle Creek, the park has room for future camp and water sport development. Most of the shoreline along this area is rock bluff several feet high, so boat landing access is limited at this time. Fishing in the creek is good during spring and fall, and natural beauty abounds in all seasons.

{
View Larger Map Hobbs State Park}