Mena, AR This is a long distance trail through remote sections of the Ouachita Mountains beginning in Talimena State Park, northeast of Talihina, Oklahoma, and eventually concluding at the Visitor’s Center at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. No terrain too far outside of my comfort zone - An 11 day hike was more than enough. Where to Go, Trip Ideas, Rafting Trip Ideas, Route Description, Trip Ideas, rafting trips, water sports. Spur trails connect to various recreation areas and points of interest. You can download both from Ouachitamaps.com. First Previous Next Last. The map at right is an overview map. Ouachita National Forest Dogs are also able to use this trail. The Penney Campsite is 0.9 miles off-trail and accessed by a spur trail. I discovered a tick on my leg during a break. The trail is lightly used and avoids towns and major roads. The Ouachita Trail has been established for the hiking and mountain biking enthusiast. Ranger District District The key is to avoid hypothermia even when wet. Ouachita National Recreation Trail: 223 359: Arkansas and Oklahoma: longest trail in Ouachita National Forest: Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail: 214 344: Southeastern United States: Abingdon, Virginia & Elkin, North Carolina: Kings Mountain National Military Park: Y-shaped trail commemorating the historic route of the Overmountain Men. Photo by Mike Unger. It is the longest backpacking trail in the Ouachita National Forest, spanning 192 miles across its length. Fortunately, we were able to buy some from the Bluebell Cafe in Story. I also learned about chiggers, creatures I’d heard of, but never personally experienced. The Ouachita is a great long trail, worthy of its National Recreation Trail status. We expected and planned for rain, but it missed us. We’re ad-free and have no sponsored content. Every recommendation we make is chosen by our editors. Jessieville, AR US Forest Service Ouachita National Recreation Trail Page. But fear not, we don't allow our judgment to be influenced by these arrangements! It also has great battery life, as long as you keep it in extended tracking mode. The Ouachita National Scenic Trail is a 223 mile (359 km) pathway that winds its way through the Ouachita (pronounced wa-she-ta) mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail, an approximately 225-mile back country trail, runs east and west the length of the Ouachita Mountains.More commonly referred to as the “Ouachita Trail,” it lies primarily within the Ouachita National Forest.. Trail Highlights: This is the longest trail in the Ouachita National Forest spanning 192 miles across its entire length. We did miss the mosquitoes, but a mild winter brought ticks out early. We only want the same thing as you—the best gear at the best price. Phone:  (479) 637-4174, Oklahoma Ranger District Naomi and I ended up staying the night at the lodge. The Ouachita Trail is a shoulder season hike, meaning it’s best to hike in the spring or fall. Get ready for scenic, rocky, single-track as you tour Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the eastern part of the 222 mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail. A note regarding COVID-19:  Our Ouachita Trail thru-hike occurred just prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions. It has great battery life and provides ABC-altimeter, barometric pressure, and compass functions. 137 miles is now open to both mountain bikes and foot traffic. The app provided very good information regarding water sources. The Ouachita Trail is subject to weather extremes: strong thunderstorms, sub-freezing temperatures, ice- and snowstorms, and hot and muggy conditions. The trail avoids towns and major roads. Phone:  (870) 867-2101, Jessieville/Winona/ We purchased the app for the Ouachita Trail. Naomi carried the Westcomb Shift LT men’s jacket. It can also be purchased as part of the Arkansas Hiker package, which highlights other longer backpacking trails in the Arkansas trail system. Photo by Mike Unger. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. Kiamichi River Trailhead to Oklahoma border (GPS N 34 39.594, W 94 32.498): As one of the most advanced trails in the Ouachita National Recreation Trail System, the nearly seven mile route from the Kiamichi River to the Oklahoma-Arkansas border begins with an easy to navigate trail scattered with primitive tent sites. We test. The eastern boundary is south of Perryville, Arkansas on Highway 9. FoOT is organized exclusively to provide assistance for the maintenance, enhancement and use of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Photo by Mike Unger. Fourche Ranger District Summers in Arkansas are too hot, muggy, and buggy. Our favorite two-person tent since 2019 has been the Six Moon Designs Haven Tarp with a NetTent. The hiking trail avoids towns and heavily traveled roads, which can complicate resupply but results in a true sense of solitude. Warm enough to h… Fortunately, one difference is that the Ouachita Mountain forest is fairly open and often offers nice views along the high ridges. The temperatures dropped into the teens on our first night on trail, but we were sweating in our shelter a few nights later. CLICK HERE for the preferred, more detailed USFS maps for users of the OT. We used trash compactor bags as pack liners to protect our gear from the expected rain. We were fortunate to have dry conditions, as this section could be treacherous when wet or icy. Our gear list was complicated by our early start. The Guthook app offers an Ouachita Trail guide with detailed maps, elevation profiles, water reports, and campsites and shelters, as well as campground and trailhead locations. The Soto is the Windproof Winner in the Best Backpacking Stoves story. We took one day off in Mt. Phone:  (501) 321-5202 Our strategy is to layer with lightweight fleece and tights under our rain gear. The Ouachita Trail offers many open views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Friends of the Ouachita Trail provides a list of water sources. Both are winners in our Best Down Jackets guide and Best Synthetic Jackets article. I used a Montbell Plasma Down jacket and Naomi used the Patagonia Micro Puff. Friends of the Ouachita Trail (FoOT) is a non-profit organization (IRS 501c3) created by trail users to maintain the Ouachita National Recreation Trail as a healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational asset. Length 213.9 miElevation gain 32276 ftRoute type Point to point This is the longest trail in the Ouachita National Forest spanning 192 miles across its entire length. There are big views of the surrounding area. Naomi carried the Leki Jannu poles, which are no longer in production. The eastern boundary is south of Perryville, Arkansas on Highway 9. This is the only section of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail currently open to mountain biking. Below are other resupply options, with mileage assuming west-to-east travel: The lodge, located on Rich Mountain at the high point of the Ouachita Trail (2,610’), accepts hiker resupply boxes. The trail meanders through the Ouachita National Forest with spurs providing lake vistas. We’re working on a best sleeping quilts guide, but for now, check out our our Best Sleeping Bags story, which has some ultralight options. Resupply along the Ouachita Trail can be tricky. Below are the resources we used for our thru-hike: We purchased the Ouachita Trail Guide to get an overview of the trail and trail descriptions. 100 Reserve Street Lori, the Bluebell’s proprietor, will shuttle hikers to and from the trail for a delicious meal. Destination: Start Location: Today's Miles: 0. Long dry stretches. Naomi and I sent resupply boxes to the Bluebell Cafe in Story at mile 122. Water is scarce on many portions of the trail especially during dry periods. The eastern third of the trail is extremely rocky and can be slow and sometimes treacherous-especially when wet. Blue blazes are painted on trees and every mile is marked both on a tree and on the ground with a survey marker. While most spring starts are in late March and early April, Naomi and I chose an early start date because we wanted to hike before ticks emerged, temperatures warmed, and seasonal water sources dried out. Naomi and I would thru-hike it again, perhaps linking it via shuttles with the Ozark Mountain Trail. Highlights of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail available here. Junctions are generally signed and easy to identify. Finally, we carried Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon trekking umbrellas. The Ouachita Trail has clean, well maintained shelters. To maintain the natural character of the trail, no horses or motorized vehicles, including trail cycles, are allowed. Photo by Mike Unger. Freezing rain is a particular concern in the winter. Ouachita National Recreation Trail - General Map, Ouachita National Recreation Trail - Detailed Map. The Ouachita Trail has shelters nearly every 8-10 miles. This mountain trail offers the hiker a wide range of opportunities from scenic vistas, upland hardwood and pine … This is the longest trail in the Ouachita National Forest spanning 192 miles across its entire length. The trail had to satisfy a few conditions for me to choose it: 1. (Please note: Lori is very generous, but hikers need to considerate and do not assume that Lori will be able to provide town shuttles, especially during busy hiking seasons.). Box 1270 Lori recommends hikers call from the Suck Mountain Shelter (mile 109) to pre-arrange rides. The Trail The Ouachita National Recreation Trail spans 192 miles of the Ouachita National Forest between Talimena State Park on U.S. Hwy. Phone:  (580) 494-6402. Naomi loves her Sea to Summit Ultralight Sleeping Pad. Please respect these boundaries. All but the eastern 30 miles travel through the Ouachita National Forest, the oldest and largest National Forest in the Southern United States. The eastern boundary is south of Perryville, Arkansas on Highway 9. The rooms were beautiful and the restaurant was good-there’s a hiker-friendly breakfast buffet. Rain and thunderstorms are a consistent threat on the trail, but Naomi and I got lucky. Phone:  (501) 984-5313, Mena/Oden Ranger We needed to be prepared for both frigid cold, snow, and rain, as well as warm, muggy conditions. Hochatown, OK The Suck Mountain Shelter has built-in chairs. I prefer a two pad system with a short Nemo Switchback closed-cell foam pad and a Therm-a-Rest ProLite self-inflating pad in a size small. 5. The OT is an east-west corridor which extends from Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock to Talimena State Park near Talihina, Oklahoma. Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a 30-minute drive from Little Rock, Arkansas. Below are several of its standout features: The Ouachita Mountains felt remote and wild. The eastern boundary is south of Perryville, Arkansas on Highway 9. An additional 32 miles of trail, located on private and other public lands, extends to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 15 miles west of Little Rock, Arkansas. The Ouachita Trail Guide by Tim Ernest provides a nice overview of the trail and a detailed description of trail sections. We may receive a commission at no additional cost to you when you purchase through our links. The Six Moon Designs Haven Tarp with inner NetTent is a lightweight, 2-person shelter. Photo by Mike Unger. She then drove us back to the Bluebell the next morning for breakfast, and then took us-clean, rested, and very well-fed-back to the trail. Ouachita National Recreation Trail Journal 11/16 Suck Mtn Tentsite-Smith Creek Tentsite. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The maps are formatted to be printed at scale (1:24,000) on 11” x 17” paper. Naomi demonstrating how to stay well-fed on the trail. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. Copyright © 2018-2020 Treeline Review LLC. Low Point: 300' (90m) near Lake Maumelle close to the eastern terminus. This was a good decision for the few nights when temperatures dropped into the teens since we find Katabatic quilts to be true to their temperature rating; however, we were too warm as temperatures rose above freezing. After that, we wisely decided to do daily tick checks. Expect a lower-than-average daily mileage over much of the route. The trail travels through the Ouachita Mountains from Talimena State Park in Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas passing through two wilderness areas along the way. Naomi added the Gossamer Gear feedbag for easy access to snacks, while I added the Gossamer Gear shoulder strap pocket to hold my camera. Photo by Mike Unger. The Ouachita Trail is well-maintained and blazed. (As this may change from year to year, you’ll want to call to confirm and get details.) These sections are short lived however, and worth the long descents toward Ouachita National Recreation Trail - Segment 02 just northeast of County Road 221. The park section travels through upland forests along rocky hillsides and the edge of the scenic Big Maumelle River. Our first two days on the trail had highs in the 30s and lows in the teens. Important note: there is no cell phone service at this Highway 2771 trailhead, nor is there Verizon service in Story. Within driving distance 4. I think the Aftershokz Aeropex bone-conducting headphones are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. Rain gear will always “wet out” eventually, meaning the amount of moisture on the surface of the jacket won’t allow any more sweat evaporation from the inside, and you start to feel wet. Buggy. Elevations range from 600 to 2,600 feet as the trail passes through forested mountains, across sweeping valleys and near clear-running streams. Without exception, these shelters were meticulously clean and uncrowded. Below are some of the biggest challenges we faced: Like the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Ouachita Trail can feel like an endless series of 500’-1,000’ ascents and descents. Potentially dangerous river fords, especially after storms. We had the solitude that is increasingly rare on long trails. We did order a pizza from the restaurant for the hike out. Long enough to feel it was actually an accomplishment 3. Please note that specific water sources may not be reliable. Waldron, AR I’d argue it’s over blazed. Rugged, rocky trail conditions, especially the eastern third of the trail. We hope to include more in the future. Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a 210.9 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Talihina, Oklahoma that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. Civilization rarely encroached on the trail. It is USB charged, lightweight, comfortable, and has three modes: highly adjustable directed beam, flood light, and red light. The Ouachita Trail is physically challenging. It provides excellent rain protection, holds up great in the wind, and is easy to pitch. My buff is one of my favorite pieces of gear. Relatively little-known outside of the US long distance hiking community, it is a non-motorized single track trail that is well marked and maintained from start to finish. All three pads are reviewed in our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads story. Shuttles are available from Fort Smith to Talimena State Park (see below for information on shuttles). While navigation is not difficult, the Ouachita Trail is not an easy thru-hike. They provide great sound, but because they do not cover ears, you can maintain situational awareness-which is especially handy for hearing rattlesnakes later in the season. Caching water may be necessary. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is maintained by a non-profit group, Friends of the Ouachita Trail (FoOT). For updates on trail conditions as well as information on this group, check out their website. Hot Springs, AR 71902 We should have sent a resupply box to the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge at mile 51 in addition to the Bluebell Cafe in Story. In the west, the trail begins at Talimena State Park on Highway 271 near Talihina, Oklahoma. We often found ourselves packing up or setting up camp in the dark, and occasionally we even hiked in the dark. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is 223 miles stretching from Talimena State Park in Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park on the outskirts of Little Rock, Arkansas. The Bluebell Cafe and Market in Story, Arkansas. Stitching this once rambunctious, scoundrel-idden landscape together is the Ouachita (wa-she-ta) National Recreation Trail, loping 223 miles through the heart of a national forest that shares its name and lays claim to being the largest in the South. A tick key is a fast effective way to remove embedded ticks. Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a 213.9 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Roland, Arkansas that features a lake and is rated as difficult. These maps do not include the eastern-most 30 miles of trail not on USFS land. The surprisingly not-well-known Ouachita National Recreation Trail stretches 223 miles through the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Learn more about our mission and what makes us different here. Queen Wilhelmina Lodge also has beautiful rooms and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We didn’t think to pack bug spray at the start of the trip. This umbrella also proved helpful on other thru-hikes and is in our PCT Gear List & Strategy and Arizona Trail Gear List. We also carried Patagonia Houdini wind shirts, which are my favorite piece of gear. This trail is an outlet for hikers and bikers to enjoy and learn of the beauty and nature of the Ouachitas. Phone:  (479) 394-2382, Poteau/Cold Springs It keeps my bald head warm when I sleep, keeps my neck warm or supplements my fleece cap on cold days, and looks quite stylish. We had to be prepared for cold and wet conditions. We are always on the lookout for new shoulder season hikes, and this was a relatively new part of the country for us. All rights reserved. While there were no people out that early, the ticks and chiggers came out early this year. There are several shuttle services serving the entire trail. Naomi and Mike at the end of their Ouachita Trail hike—the eastern terminus at Pinnacle Mt. The Bluebell Cafe in Story, Arkansas -- near the trail’s halfway point -- is the traditional resupply point for Ouachita Trail thru-hikers. It’s a winner Overall Picks in our Best Headlamps story. Fax:  (501) 321-5305, Caddo/Womble Ranger The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork are the overall winners in our Best Trekking poles story. Though she couldn’t find a women’s version, it’s lightweight and made with Polartec Neoshell. We also carried mittens, rain over-mittens for our hands, and buffs. High Point: 2,610’ (795m) at Rich Mountain near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border. We started at Talimena State Park on February 26 and finished at Pinnacle Mountain State Park on March 8 for a total of 12 days on trail. Since the Ouachita Trail is best experienced as an early spring or late fall hike, you’ll want some skills to stay warm and dry. This is the only section of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail currently open to mountain biking. I carried Frogg Toggs rain jackets and pants, as I have found them to be as good as other lightweight rain gear. Treat all water before drinking. What I initially thought were spider bites turned out to be chiggers, and they turned out to be a red, scratchy, unpleasant experience. Plus, it allows me to track my daily steps and calorie burn, which I find to be fun metrics to track on a thru-hike. District The easternmost 30 miles are outside the Ouachita National Forest. The two pads provide great warmth, and I find this system more durable and reliable than inflatable pads. Ida to do laundry and get a room for the night. FOOT is a non-profit organization supporting, maintaining, and providing resources for the Ouachita Trail. Lori arranged to have a friend pick us up at 8 am, and we stayed at the Bluebell for breakfast and lunch. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a 223-mile trail that has the honor of being the longest backpacking trail in the Ouachita National Forest, United States. There is no additional cost to you and the decision to buy something is up to you. They do tear very easily, though, so I only use them on trails that are well-maintained and will not require any bushwacking. This is the longest trail in the Ouachita National Forest spanning 192 miles across its entire length. The trail is well-blazed and well-maintained. We called Lori from the Suck Mountain Shelter the afternoon before we arrived at the Highway 71 trailhead (there is no cell phone coverage from the trailhead). The trail is very rocky, and stepping safely requires focus. We only saw six other backpackers and very few day hikers until Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Distance: 223 miles (375km) from Talimena State Park, Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas, Elevation gain/loss: 34,300’ (10,455m) ascent; 34,900’ (10,648m) descent. The trail stays in the Ouachita National Forest from Oklahoma to Arkansas Highway 9. I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to have the time to do any of the truly large thruhikes, but I wanted so desperately to be able to call myself a thruhiker. Trail open to foot traffic only for 55 miles. The 222 mile trail begins at the Visitor Center and winds for 2.5 miles through the park and then for 220 miles through the Ouachita Mountains ending in southeast Oklahoma. With some planning and advanced route-planning, some hikers have connected the Ouachita Trail with the ~170-mile long Ozark Highlands Trail to create a longer thru-hike. It was one of the most pleasant town stops we’ve had over 25,000[TK] miles of thru-hiking. In addition to providing emergency rescue notification, I like that I can use it to send text messages. The 223-mile Ouachita (pronounced “ Wash -i-tah”) Trail is a National Recreation Trail that runs through the Ouachita Mountains from Talimena State Park in eastern Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock, Arkansas. There are also rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. We carried Patagonia R1 fleece tops and capilene tights as an insulating layer. Naomi and I use an umbrella to supplement our rain gear. We purposely started early to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. Throughout the Ouachita National Recreation Trail there are many road crossings and trail access points that allow for runners to explore the trail in a variety of ways, making easy to customize distances and scenic opportunities of the run. The trail will pass through some boulder fields at times. It traverses the only East-West Mountain Range in the lower 48. A line of blue blazes lead Naomi down the trail. Uber and Lyft serve the Little Rock metropolitan area. You decide. If you carry a good map and have decent trail awareness, you shouldn’t have a problem staying on the right path. Because that section is not on national forest land, the only legal camping spot is the Penney Campsite, approximately 15 miles from the eastern terminus at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. This is a hiking trail which allows mountain biking through remote sections of the Ouachita Mountains. Lingering snow on the Ouachita Trail. I had quite a few constraints going into my first thruhike. Photo by Mike Unger. Applying bug spray to my socks in an effort to thwart ticks and chiggers. The trail in winter can be subject to harsh storms and frigid temperatures. I am notoriously tough on my poles (and all my gear), and I have yet to break these poles over over 6,000 miles miles of use. The Ouachita Mountain range has a similar steepness and rugged feeling as the Appalachian Mountain range. 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