Mena/Oden Ranger District Mena, AR Phone: (479) 394-2382. Nestled in the Ouachita National Forest, there are an abundance of activities available in our area including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. Shuttles provided upstream and downstream providing access to some of the best fishing in Arkansas. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail System boasts a healthy mix of beginner, intermediate and expert level trails that will take you over the river and through the woods, plus much more. Our gorgeous, restorative resort town, Hot Springs, is located in the Ouachita Mountain Range. The best views of the area are in spring and fall along the Talimena Scenic Drive, a National Scenic Byway. Overnight use below the 100-year flood elevation would not be permitted anywhere in the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Ouachita National Forest Address: 52175 Hwy 59 Hodgen, OK 74939. Jessieville/Winona/ Fourche Ranger District Jessieville, AR Phone: (501) 984-5313. To the north, they're edged by the Ozark Mountains and Ozark National Forest; to the south, they're blanketed by the Oauchita National Forest. The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber and wood production, watershed protection and improvement, habitat for wildlife and fish species (including threatened and endangered ones), wilderness area management, minerals … Its water is known for its superior clarity, and there are over 200 uninhabited islands to explore, perfect for mooring your houseboat along the beachy shoreline.. Only 13 miles away from Hot Springs, Arkansas, there are several things to do on and off the lake. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which can be accessed from the park, is a major attraction that stretches 223 miles through the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and the Winding Stair Mountains in Oklahoma. Ouachita National Forest, Hot Springs: See 208 reviews, articles, and 89 photos of Ouachita National Forest, ranked No.9 on Tripadvisor among 52 attractions in Hot Springs. “Come to the woods, for here is rest.” ― John Muir A few weeks back Kaci and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. There are 2,788 square miles of forest to explore in Ouachita National Forest. Walk the Promenade above the bathhouses in downtown Hot Springs. Gateway airports include Little Rock's Clinton National Airport and Oklahoma's Tulsa International Airport. Ouachita National Forest is located in 13 counties in western and central Arkansas and 2 counties in southeastern Oklahoma. The southern section of the forest lies along the Arkansas River Valley south to the Ouachita Mountains, and there are several Arkansas State Scenic Byways as you're passing through. The preserve has since tripled in size and is now 1.8 million acres, protecting the watersheds of the Arkansas River Valley, Ouachita River Valley, and Little River Watersheds. Nearly 50 miles of trails are offered in this beautiful section of southeast Oklahoma, which is the home of the majestic Ouachita Mountains and Talimena Scenic Byway. Ouachita National Forest: Lots to do in the Ouachita National Forest - See 208 traveller reviews, 89 candid photos, and great deals for Hot Springs, AR, at Tripadvisor. The name "Ouachita" (Wash-it-taw) is derived from an American Indian word meaning "good hunting." Flickr/Richard May. Some of the day-use areas on the Ouachita National Forest that were closed at the end of March due to the COVID-19 pandemic have reopened to the public, but not all of the areas' restrooms are open. A dispersed camper's guide to Ozark National Forest camping in Arkansas. 4. Take a two hour float or an all day adventure. The Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) is a premier long-distance hiking trail crossing more than 165 miles of the forest and running from Lake Fort Smith State Park to the Buffalo National River. Where to find free camping, things to do, places to see, and more! AllTrails has 9 great hiking trails, trail running trails, forest trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. INFORMATION. A 300,000-acre section of the Ouachita National Forest in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma features the pine and hardwood covered ridges of the Ouachita Mountains. TAKE A trail ride through the Ouachita National Forest at Mountain Harbor Riding Stable. The Ouachita Mountains abound in a wide variety of wildlife, including game and non-game species. Looking for a great trail in Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma? The park is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, so more hiking and outdoor adventures can be enjoyed within the national forest. You can catch stunning sunsets in the Ouachitas. From Ouachita National Forest you acquire a great sight of Brushy Mountain. Looking for a great trail in Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas? We choose to do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock Loop (ERL). Fill a bottle with hot water from one of the many downtown spigots used for generations to pump water fresh from the springs under the city. This is a multiple use, working forest with managed wood and timber harvesting, wilderness management, minerals leasing and spectacular recreation. Ready for some activity? Established in 1907, the South's oldest and one of the largest (1.6 million acres) national forest. AllTrails has 33 great hiking trails, mountain biking trails, trail running trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Although the Ouachita Mountains don't have nearly as many waterfalls as they do to the north in the Ozarks, what waterfalls do exist are in such beautiful locations that they should all be visited. Caddo/Womble Ranger District Mt Ida, AR Phone: (870) 867-2101. The Ouachita National Forest is a vast 1.8 million acre mountainous forest and is the South’s largest national forest. The Ouachita National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in southeastern Oklahoma and into central Arkansas. Also given is their area as of September 30, 2007. The Ouachita National Forest has outstanding mountain views coupled with picturesque streams, rivers and lakes provide a unique and highly valued setting for outdoor recreation. An elevator goes to the observation deck 216 feet up. Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the longest trail at 192 miles beginning at Talihina, Oklahoma and ending at Perryville, Arkansas. The Ouachita National Forest proposes to improve day use opportunities which includes general maintenance, adding more parking, providing alternative bathroom facilities, increasing signage and improving the swim beach. It lies within the 1.7-million-acre Ouachita National Forest, the South’s oldest (established in 1907) and largest national forest. Ouachita is French for Washita, which means good hunting ground. They are listed here in descending order of forestland within the county. I hope the list of our Top 25 Things to do in Broken Bow help make your vacation special. Ouachita National Forest is massive, so don’t expect to see it all in one trip. In the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains is Broken Bow Lake & Beavers Bend State Park. It's really no secret that my family and I love to get away to a quiet camping spot away from all civilization and people and noise. Phone: 918-653-2991. This loop is a collection of three trails in the Ouachita National Forest. 60 Things To Do In Hot Springs National Park Arkansas. We decided we would spend prepping for the Appalachian Trail next year. Home / Activities / Parks & Nature / National Forests / Ouachita / Waterfalls. Ouachita National Forest 100 Reserve Street P.O. Kagle Branch is a glorious site to take a look at, and the panorama of picturesque Main Mountain is fine. Some of the highlights of the forest include the 11-mile Horsethief Springs Trail, which is one of the most beautiful trails in the state. Box 1270 Hot Springs, AR 71902 Phone: (501) 321-5202 Fax: (501) 321-5305. Take in the beauty of the Ouachita National Forest and see the abundant wild life along the river. The Ouachita Mountains stretch for about 160 miles northwest from Little Rock into Oklahoma. 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