Lonesome Pine Road — Ouachita National Forest to Potato Hills via Big Cedar Divide
Oklahoma ridge roads nobody talks about.
Oklahoma gets dismissed as flat. The Potato Hills say otherwise. Tucked into the Ouachita National Forest southeast of Wilburton in Latimer County, the Potato Hills are a series of sandstone ridges and tight hollows that run parallel to the Arkansas border. Forest Road 006 and connected spurs climb the Big Cedar Divide through mixed oak-hickory and shortleaf pine, following ridgelines that top out near 2,300 feet with long views into the Fourche Maline and Jackfork Creek drainages below. The roads are rough two-track and maintained gravel in varying states — spring runoff and heavy clay soil turn sections into genuine mud traps that have swallowed unprepared trucks before.
Call this a moderate-to-difficult route depending on recent rain. Lockers help in wet conditions; mud tires are not optional when the ground is soft. Best season is late fall through early spring when foliage is off and ground is dry and firm — summer is hot, humid, and the ticks are relentless. No permit required. Water is available at developed campgrounds near Talihina but not on the ridge roads. Fuel in Wilburton before entry. What you get is a genuinely remote southern forest experience on a system almost nobody outside of Oklahoma even knows exists.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2300 ft |
| Best season | October-March |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with mud tires |
| Nearest town | Wilburton, OK |
| Land manager | Ouachita National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner run Lonesome Pine Road, or do I need a lifted rig?
Stock high-clearance 4WD will struggle here. The trail has off-camber ridge sections, embedded rock, and clay ruts that punish stock tires hard — mud tires are not optional. A moderate lift (2-3 inches) makes a real difference on the tighter shelf sections near Big Cedar Divide.
What's the best time of year to run this trail and what happens if it rains?
October through March is the sweet spot — lower brush, better visibility through the oak-pine canopy, and less heat. Oklahoma clay turns this trail into a greasy mess after any significant rain; come back 48-72 hours after precipitation or you're just spinning into the ditch.
Do I need a permit to drive Lonesome Pine Road or camp in the Ouachita National Forest here?
No permit required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping on Ouachita National Forest land is free with a 14-day limit — stay 150 feet from water sources and pack out everything. Check with the Choctaw Ranger District if regulations have changed before you go.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it technical?
The Big Cedar Divide ridge stretch is where it gets honest — off-camber shelf road with loose shale and clay mix, no guardrails, and tight tree lines that leave no room for a botched line. If you're not comfortable reading off-camber terrain, this section will wake you up fast.
Are there water crossings I need to worry about, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Yes, there are creek crossings — depth varies seasonally and can get knee-deep or more after rain, so scout before you commit. Wilburton is your last fuel stop, roughly 15-20 miles from the start; don't roll in on a half tank.
Trail track
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