Ouachita National Recreation Trail

The Ouachita National Recreation Trail cuts a 223-mile swath through the rugged Ouachita Mountains, following ancient ridgelines and crossing dozens of creek beds between Talihina, Oklahoma and Little Rock, Arkansas. The Oklahoma section runs 65 miles from Talihina east to the Arkansas border, threading through dense hardwood forests and crossing challenging creek bottoms like Pine Creek and Kiamichi River tributaries. Key waypoints include Winding Stair Mountain and the historic Talimena Scenic Drive intersection near Mile Marker 15.

This is a moderate to difficult trail requiring high-clearance 4WD for creek crossings and rocky ridge sections, especially after heavy rains when stream levels rise. Best tackled April through October when conditions are manageable, though summer heat can be brutal. Stock up on fuel and water in Talihina — services are non-existent once you’re in the backcountry. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the national forest, and you’ll earn solitude and some of the best ridge-running in the southern states.