Lonesome Pine Road — Ouachita National Forest to Buffalo Mountain via Potato Hills Summit
Oklahoma's forgotten mountain mud run.
People forget Oklahoma has mountains. Not Colorado-style mountains, but real ridge country — the Kiamichis in the southeast corner of the state are rugged enough to humble a vehicle that isn’t prepared. The Buffalo Mountain backcountry road in the Ouachita National Forest is about as honest as it gets in this part of the country: red clay doubletrack that turns into a greased luge when wet, sustained shelf road climbs through shortleaf pine and hardwood forest, and summit views east toward Arkansas that stretch farther than you’d expect. The route connects FR-6075 out of Tuskahoma to the upper Potato Hills ridge before looping back via Kiamichi River bottomland.
Run this one in a proper 4WD rig with good mud tires — the red clay is deceptively slick even after minor rain. A locker helps on the steeper shelf sections. Dry season runs May-June and September-November; avoid the wet months entirely. No permit required. Fuel in Talihina, about 20 miles west. No cell service, no services, and limited signage — download offline maps before you leave pavement. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Ouachita National Forest here, and the pine ridges offer quiet, flat sites worth lingering in. This is underrated overland territory, full stop.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2550 ft |
| Best season | May-June, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with mud tires |
| Nearest town | Talihina, Oklahoma |
| Land manager | Ouachita National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle Lonesome Pine Road, or do I need lockers?
A stock Wrangler or 4Runner with mud tires can complete it in dry conditions, but after rain the red clay gets seriously slick and a rear locker becomes nearly mandatory on the steep pitches near Potato Hills Summit. Don't attempt it on all-seasons wet — you will get stuck.
Is this trail passable in winter or early spring?
Avoid December through March. The red clay turns to axle-deep mud with little warning, and the forest service doesn't maintain or plow these roads. Best windows are May–June and September–November before the freeze-thaw cycle starts chewing up the surface.
Do I need a permit to run Lonesome Pine Road or camp in Ouachita National Forest here?
No permit required for the drive or dispersed camping — it's Ouachita National Forest land and dispersed camping is free. Follow the standard 14-day limit and 150-foot setback from water sources. No fee stations on this route.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The climb to Potato Hills Summit is where rigs get sorted out — steep, narrow, off-camber shelf road with loose red dirt and embedded rocks. If it's rained in the last 48 hours, expect wheel spin, sliding, and possible recovery situations. The descent toward Buffalo Mountain is rutted and can have downed timber across the road, especially after storm season.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there any water on route?
Talihina is your last fuel stop — top off there, it's roughly 15–20 miles from the start. There is no reliable potable water on trail, so carry all you need for the full 28 miles plus camp. Cell service is completely dead out here, so file a trip plan before you leave town.
Trail track
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