Ouachita National Recreation Trail

Area Status: Open

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 eastern boundary is south of Perryville, Arkansas on Highway 9. An additional 32 miles of trail, located on private and other public lands, extends to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 15 miles west of Little Rock, Arkansas. Elevations range from 600 to 2,600 feet as the trail passes through forested mountains, across sweeping valleys and near clear-running streams. Spur trails connect to various recreation areas and points of interest. Numerous road crossings and access points provide opportunities for point to point hikes of various distances.

Ouachita National Recreation Trail - General Map

Ouachita National Recreation Trail - Detailed Map

The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is maintained by a non-profit group, Friends of the Ouachita Trail (FoOT). For updates on trail conditions as well as information on this group, check out their website.

Highlights of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail available here

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Open year round.
Area Amenities:
  • Picnic tables
  • Tent camping
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Drinking water
Fees: No fee.
Usage: Heavy
Best Season: Spring-Fall
Busiest Season: Spring
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Restrooms Available
Operated By: Forest Service

Activities

Mountain Biking

Unsurfaced.  Water is scarce on many portions of the trail especially during dry periods.  Treat all water before drinking.

Fees: No fee.

Day Hiking

Unsurfaced.  Water is scarce on many portions of the trail especially during dry periods.  Treat all water before drinking.

Fees: No fee.

Backpacking

Unsurfaced.  Water is scarce on many portions of the trail especially during dry periods.  Treat all water before drinking.

Fees: No fee.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
192 miles

  Elevation : 
600 feet at lowest point - 2,600 feet