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USDA Forest Service - Ouachita National Forest
Welcome to the Ouachita National Forest
We are the oldest and largest National Forest in the South. We encompass 1.8 million acres in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Come explore the Ouachita.
View from the Talimena Scenic Drive. Adobe Stock
Located in both Arkansas and Oklahoma, the Ouachita National Forest is home to rolling hills, pristine lakes, geological wonders and a vast array of adventures at every turn! Whether you want a challenge or a retreat, a vista or a valley, the Ouachitas have something for everyone!
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Recreation
A variety of developed and dispersed recreation opportunities await you on the forest. Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, hunting, fishing, four-wheeler riding and taking pictures are just some of the activities people enjoy while visiting the forests
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Be Prepared
Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, be prepared with maps available in several formats: Interactive, downloadable, geo-referenced, and also available for printing at home.
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Fire Information
The forest will be conducting prescribed burns over the next several months. The purposes of these burns are to re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.
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Forest Restoration Videos
The Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas produced a series of three short videos highlighting the incredible forest and glade restoration work being completed.
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Our Annual Accomplishments
Beginning this year, we plan to highlight our work and accomplishments in an annual Stewardship Report & Trends. We summarize our key metrics and accomplishments in an easy-to-read End Of Year Infographic.
Recent News
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Public Comment Period Open for Bear Creek Lake Dam Spillway Repairs
Release Date: Jul 29, 2022
Features
Forest Restoration Videos
In 2021, the Forest Service in Arkansas and Oklahoma and The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas produced a series of three short videos highlighting the incredible forest and glade restoration work being completed on the National Forests in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
E-Bike Collaborative Workshop
A virtual workshop was held on May 11, 2022 to explain a planned Environmental Assessment on e-bike use on the Womble Trail in the Ouachita National Forest, which is currently closed to motorized traffic. The purpose of the assessment was to determine if allowing e-bikes on forest trails could have significant impacts on the environment. This workshop was in collaboration with the Ozark-St Francis National Forests as they are also considering similar trails on their forest.
