Hiking
Backpacking and day hiking are both available in the forest.
Backpacking
Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there are many ways to make sure that your experience is fun and safe.
Day Hikes
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit our forest’s ranger district office, All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Mena/Oden Ranger District
Mena/Oden Office1603 Hwy 71 NorthMena, AR 71953(479) 394-2382Mena-Oden Ranger District is a fast paced, complex, multiple use district consisting of approximately 43 permanent employees, several…
Mountain Top Trail
This loop trail is created by hiking the Ouachita National Recreation Trail on the north side of the mountain and the Mountain Top trail on the south. The trail leads the hiker along the beautiful…
Oklahoma Ranger District
The Oklahoma Ranger District consists of about 363,000 acres located on the west side of the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma. The district is split into three areas: the northern unit…
Orchard Trail
This accessible trail meanders through the picturesque pine and hardwood forest surrounding the Talimena Scenic Byway Visitor Information Station near Mena, AR. This short hike features the ruins of…
Ouachita National Recreation Trail
This is the longest trail in the Ouachita National Forest spanning 192 miles across its entire length. In the west, the trail begins at Talimena State Park on Highway 271 near Talihina, Oklahoma. The…
Possum Kingdom Trail
This trail offers a variety of road conditions from primitive to paved county roads. Experience the many forests of the Ouachita Mountains, from pure pine stands to mixed hardwoods. This ride is very…
Poteau Mountain Wilderness
Site Open
11,299 acres featuring rock outcrops, scenic overlooks, streams, and seclude forest. The area between the two segments of Poteau Mountain Wilderness is managed as a special area very similar to…
Poteau/Cold Springs Ranger District
Poteau Office (479) 637-4174PO Box 2255Jct Hwy 71 & 248Waldron, AR 72958Poteau-Cold Springs Ranger District is a 334,000 acre unit with a complex mix of natural resource management programs and…
River Bluff Day Use
Site Open
River access on Ouachita River.
Rocky Shoals Day Use
Site Open
River access on Ouachita River.