Ouachita Trail

Ouachita Trail (Ouachita National Recreation Trail) is a 223-mile (359 km) continuous long-distance hiking route through the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas, with the vast majority running within the Ouachita National Forest.

The western end starts at Talimena State Park in Oklahoma (on Hwy 271 near Talihina), and the eastern end finishes at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas near Little Rock. The trail uses blue blazes and is laid out for long-distance travel with shelters along the way.

Route character is defined by forested ridges, valleys, and frequent creek crossings, with a mapped elevation range roughly from 600 to 2,600 feet. It climbs and descends repeatedly rather than staying on a single contour.

If you’re planning a thru-hike, expect dry spells in warmer months and water can be scarce in summer; the route’s established seasonality is year-round, but spring and fall are the most comfortable choices for many hikers.

The trail is non-motorized single track open to foot traffic, and mountain biking is permitted only on specific segments in the western and central parts of the route (not the whole line).

Resupply and logistics for the full route often center on towns along the line; commonly used points include Mena, Arkansas and Story, Arkansas. The trail is also supported by a volunteer maintenance network (Friends of the Ouachita Trail) that maintains trail resources like shelters and guidance materials.

The eastern portion is also known for its shelter spacing and long-distance infrastructure, including a series of three-sided shelters on the eastern end; there are also wilderness areas crossed along the route (Flatside Wilderness Area in Arkansas and Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness Area in Oklahoma).

More information: Visitor information, Wikipedia, Ouachita Trail Backpacking Thru-Hiking Guide