Ouachita Mountains Winding Stair Ridge Trail

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.