Ouachita Mountains Winding Stair Ridge Trail
Moonshine routes through Oklahoma's highest peaks
Winding Stair Ridge traces the spine of the Ouachita Mountains for 35 miles, following wagon roads that carried timber, lead, and illegal whiskey from remote hollows to markets in Fort Smith. The route starts at Heavener and climbs to 2,681 feet on Rich Mountain, the second highest peak in Oklahoma. Old mine shafts and foundations of abandoned cabins dot the ridge, remnants of lead and zinc operations that played out by 1920. The road drops into Kiamichi River valley through switchbacks so tight they earned the name ‘Devil’s Elbow.’
Moderate difficulty with a few technical sections where spring rains wash out the roadbed and expose bedrock ledges. Stock high-clearance vehicles handle it fine in dry conditions, but wet weather requires 4WD and recovery points. Run it April through October when wildflowers bloom and streams run clear. Fuel and supplies available in Heavener and Talihina. Primitive camping allowed in national forest, and the views from Rich Mountain fire tower stretch 50 miles on clear days.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2681 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance SUV |
| Nearest town | Heavener, Oklahoma |
| Land manager | Ouachita National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler run this trail without modifications?
Yes. A stock high-clearance SUV handles Winding Stair Ridge Trail fine under normal conditions. Lifted rigs aren't required, but low-range is useful on the steeper gravel pitches.
When does the trail close, and is it passable after heavy rain?
The trail is generally accessible April through October. After significant rainfall the gravel surface gets slick and water crossings rise fast — check Ouachita National Forest road conditions before you go if there's been recent precip.
Do I need a permit or pass to run this trail?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping in Ouachita National Forest is free but limited to 14 days in one spot — no fees, no reservations, just follow Leave No Trace rules.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The steeper ridge climbs with loose gravel are the most demanding sections — nothing technically brutal, but momentum and tire choice matter. The bigger hazard is blind corners on narrow two-track, so keep your speed in check and watch for oncoming trucks.
Is there any gas or water available on the trail, and how far is the nearest fuel from the trailhead?
There is no gas or water on the trail and cell service is completely dead the entire route. Top off in Heavener before you leave — it's the closest reliable fuel stop to the eastern trailhead — and carry all your water for the day.
Trail track
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