CRE E AT R I L O A N N T O R I A T I A L N OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST ARKANSAS-OKLAHOMA This page intentionally left blank. Help Maintain the Ouachita Trail The trail is maintained by volunteer members of FoOT Friends of the Ouachita Trail If you would like to help, contact FoOT at: Email: [email protected] Mail: PO Box 8630 Hot Springs, AR 71910 WWW.FriendsOT.org FoOT is organized exclusively to provide assistance for the maintenance, enhancement and use of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail CRE E AT Ouachita National Forest R I L O A N N T O R I A T I A L Arkansas - Oklahoma N Ouachita National Recreation Trail (ONRT)--Overview Hiking Biking U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Trail Highlights: This is the longest trail in the Ouachita Length: 192 miles. Southern Region National Forest spanning 192 miles across its entire length. Directions: There are many developed and The U.S. Department of In the west, the trail begins at Talimena State Park on Highway undeveloped access points across the forest, Agriculture (USDA) prohib- OUACHITA 271 near Talihina, Oklahoma. identified on the trail map segments. its discrimination in all its programs and activities on the The eastern boundary is south of Perryville, Arkansas on Trail Information: Unsurfaced. Water is scarce on basis of race, color, national Highway 9. many portions of the trail especially during dry periods. Treat all water before drinking. origin, age, disability, and An additional 32 miles of trail, located on private and other Difficulty Level: Varies. where applicable, sex, marital public lands, extends to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 15 status, familial status, paren- NATIONA miles west of Little Rock, Arkansas. Site amenities: Recreation areas usually include tal status, religion, sexual ori- campgrounds, picnic areas, swimming, drinking entation, genetic information, Elevations range from 600 to 2,600 feet as the trail passes water, restrooms, and other trails. Trail shelters through forested mountains, across sweeping valleys and political beliefs, reprisal, or are available for overnight use along segments because all or a part of an near clear-running streams. between Highways 27 and 9. individual's income is derived TRA RECREATION L Spur trails connect to various recreation areas and points of Requirements: Pack it in; pack it out. Trail open to from any public assistance interest. Numerous road crossings and access points provide foot traffic only for 55 miles. 137 miles is now program. (Not all prohibited opportunities for point to point hikes of various distances. open to both mountain bikes and foot traffic. bases apply to all programs.) For more information, you may purchase a detailed trail map Segments opened to mountain bikes are from Persons with disabilities who at all Ouachita National Forest offices. the western boundary of the Ouachita National require alternative means for Other Attractions: Recreation areas adjoining the trail Forest in Oklahoma to the Big Cedar trailhead on communication of program include: Highway 259, and from the Talimena Scenic Drive information (Braille, large east of Queen Wilhelmina State Park to trailhead print, audiotape, etc.) should • Horsethief Springs Picnic Area on Highway 7, north of Jessieville, Arkansas. contact USDA's TARGET • Winding Stair Mountain Recreation Area Horses, pack animals, and vehicles are prohibited. Center at (202) 720-2600 IL • Queen Wilhelmina State Park Portions of the trail tcross wilderness areas. To (voice and TDD). • Big Brushy Recreation Area preserve the trail’s beauty, please camp at least To file a complaint of dis- • Iron Springs Recreation Area 100 feet from the trail. crimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil • Lake Sylvia Recreation Area Seasons of use: Open year-round. Weather is most Rights, 1400 Independence For more information: Contact the Ouachita National Forest favorable from autumn through spring. Avenue, S.W., Washington, Supervisor’s Office at the address below. D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST • P.O. Box 1270 • Hot Springs, AR 71902 • 501.321.5202 or TDD 501.321.5307 • http://www.aokforests.com and employer. TR-01DETAIL December 20066 CRE E AT R I L O Ouachita National Recreation Trail (ONRT)--Overview N A N T O R I A T I A L Ouachita National Forest N Ft. Smith 59 10 271 112 7 9 Booneville Danville Poteau 71 60 60 Perryville 270 59 270 Lake Heavener Waldron 7 Sylvia Winding Stair 59 270 27 1 28 Y City Iron 272 Big Springs 9 270 270 Brushy Talihina 298 63 Jessieville Mount Talimena 88 7 5 5 Ida 27 Lake Ouachita 30 Little Rock State 8 Mena 88 Oden Park 70 27 270 Benton Queen 8 Wilhelmina Hot Springs State Park 8 259 71 27 70 Arkansas 7 Oklahoma 59 30 Glenwood 70 Texarkana USGS Quads: Paron, Thornburg, Aplin, Paron SW, Nimrod SW, Nimrod SE, Hamilton, Avant, Fannie, Forest Service Recreation Area Onyx, Steve, Story, Chula Mtn., Sims, Brushy Creek, Muse, Leflore SE, Blackjack Ridge Non Forest Service Recreation Area 270 U.S. Highway National Forest 63 State Highway Trail Shelter 30 Interstate Trail section open to Trail mountain bikes. CRE E AT Ouachita National Forest R I L O A N N T O R I A T I A L Arkansas - Oklahoma N Ouachita National Recreation Trail (ONRT)--Introduction Hiking Biking Common Courtesies Please protect and preserve plant and animal life so others may The trail traverses the pine- and oak-clad Ouachita Mountains, enjoy the beauty you have experienced. Some portions of the trail the highest peaks from the Rockies to the Appalachians. These are pass near private land. The responsibility of each hiker is to review unique mountains -- running east-west rather than north-south -- OUACHITA the map and be alert for boundary signs to avoid trespassing. with interesting geological features. The area is characterized by The Ouachita Trail has been established for the hiking and mountain clear streams and wide valleys, picturesque rock outcroppings and biking enthusiast. To maintain the natural character of the trail, no horses sharp ridges with panoramic views. or motorized vehicles, including trail cycles, are allowed. Paralleling portions of the 54-mile Talimena Scenic Byway The Trail between Talihina, Oklahoma, and Mena, Arkansas, the trail NATIONA The Ouachita National Recreation Trail spans 192 miles of the crests Winding Stair and Rich Mountains, opening a showcase of Ouachita National Forest between Talimena State Park on U.S. Hwy. forested mountains and sweeping valleys. 71 near Talihina, Oklahoma, to Arkansas Hwy. 9 south of Perryville, The history of struggling pioneers in the young state of Arkansas. Arkansas and the Choctaw Tribe in Indian Territory is An additional 30 miles of trail on private and public lands extend highlighted at several vistas and historical sites along the Byway. TRA RECREATION L this route eastward from the Hwy. 9 trailhead to the Visitor’s Center at Spur trails connect to the Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum Pinnacle Mountain State Park about 15 miles west of Little Rock, and Nature Center, an interpretive complex resting between the Arkansas. mountains and Cedar Lake Recreation Area. Other scenic Numerous side trails to major recreation areas, scenic overlooks highlights include Pipe Spring Picnic Area, Old Military Road, and other attractions offer opportunities that vary from interpretation Emerald Vista, Winding Stair Campground, Horsethief Springs to photography to tests of physical stamina. Elevations range from and Talimena State Park. 600 to 2,600 feet. Attractions along the Arkansas section of the trail include Offering numerous access points, the trail provides day and Rich Mountain featuring Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Lover’s overnight hiking opportunties, enticing hardy backpackers to explore Leap, the spectacular Talimena Scenic Byway, Big Brushy IL the rugged terrain and the less daring to enjoy quiet woodland walks Recreation Area, Blowout Mountain Scenic Area, Womble Trail, and weekend excursions. Lake Ouachita, Ouachita Pinnacle, Iron Springs Recreational Stream crossings at one-day intervals make excellent campsites. Area, Alum Creek Experimental Forest, Forked Mountain, Nonsecured parking is available at most access points where the trail Flatside Wilderness, Flatside Pinnacle, North Fork Pinnacle, and crosses major roadways. Lake Sylvia Recreation Area. OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST • P.O. Box 1270 • Hot Springs, AR 71902 • 501.321.5202 or TDD 501.321.5307 • http://www.aokforests.com TR-01DETAIL Dec 2006 CRE E AT R I L O Ouachita National Recreation Trail (ONRT) A N N T O R I A T I A L Segment Overview Ouachita National Forest N MAP SEGMENTS: The part of the Trail in the Ouachita National Forest The Trail continues on private and state land for another 30 miles until it is shown in 11 segment maps. Each is designed for viewing and ends at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. For information about this part of printing on most home computers. Segment 01 starts at the western end the Trail contact Pinnacle Mountain State Park at 501.868.5018. of the Trail at Talihina State Park in Oklahoma. Segment 11 shows the 59 eastern end270 at Highway 9. 270 Heavener Waldron Lake Windingg Sylvia Staira 59 270 27 1 28 Y Cityi Iron 272 Big Springs 9 270 270 Brushy Talihinaih 298 63 Jessievillee Mount 88 27 Lake Ouachitau 7 5 5 8 Mena Ida 70 SEGMENT SEGMENT SEGMENT SEGMENT SEGMENT SEGMENT SEGMENT SEGMENT SEGMENT SEGMENTT Benton Segment } 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 8 For more Oklahoma Ranger District Mena Ranger District Mena Ranger District Jessieville Ranger District information, 52175 US Hwy 59 1603 Hwy. 71 N 1603 Hwy.