Ouachita National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Arkansas region, Ouachita National Forest is a true gem waiting to be discovered by outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This sprawling national forest spans over 1.8 million acres, offering a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, and recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the highlights of Ouachita National Forest is its breathtaking scenic beauty. Towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes create a picturesque backdrop that is simply awe-inspiring. Whether you're hiking along the numerous trails or embarking on a scenic drive, you'll be treated to panoramic views that will leave you in awe of nature's wonders.

For those seeking adventure, Ouachita National Forest has plenty to offer. With over 700 miles of trails, outdoor enthusiasts can explore to their heart's content. Whether you prefer hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, there are trails suitable for all skill levels. The famous Ouachita National Recreation Trail stretches for 223 miles, providing an epic journey for those looking for a multi-day hiking adventure.

If you're a water lover, Ouachita National Forest won't disappoint. The forest is home to numerous lakes and rivers, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Lake Ouachita, the largest lake in the state, is a popular spot for water sports and offers pristine beaches for sunbathing and picnicking. For a more serene experience, the Cossatot River provides a tranquil setting for kayaking or canoeing through its scenic canyons.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse array of species that call Ouachita National Forest home. From white-tailed deer and black bears to bobcats and migratory birds, the forest offers ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready as you explore the forest's hidden corners.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ouachita National Forest also showcases a rich cultural history. The region was once inhabited by Native American tribes, and their influence can still be seen through ancient rock art and archaeological sites. Take a step back in time as you explore these cultural treasures and gain insight into the region's fascinating history.

Alternative names: Area: 2794.22 mi²Elevation: 1027 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°41'4"N, 93°50'26"W

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ArkansasUnited States

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Ouachita National Forest Top Attractions

Ouachita National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ouachita National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Albert Pike Recreation Area, Charlton Public Use Area, Lake Ouachita, Little Missouri Falls. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park
Albert Pike Recreation Area
Albert Pike Recreation Area is a recreational area located in the Ouachita National Forest about 6 miles north of Langley, Arkansas in southern Montgomery County, Arkansas featuring swimming and camping areas on the Little Missouri River.
Park
Charlton Public Use Area
The Charlton Recreation Area is a public use area of the Ouachita National Forest, located just north of United States Route 270 between Crystal Springs and Mount Ida, Arkansas.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita is a reservoir created by the damming of the Ouachita River by Blakely Mountain Dam. Blakely Mountain Dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers from 1948 to 1953 for hydroelectric power, recreation, water supply and wildlife conservation.

Park
Little Missouri Falls
The Little Missouri Falls is a sizable waterfall on the upper reaches of the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas in the Ouachita National Forest. It is a stairstep fall in a deep gorge.
Park
Shady Lake Recreation Area
Shady Lake Recreation Area is a campground and public recreation area in southwestern Ouachita National Forest, southwest of Mena, Arkansas and west of Glenwood, Arkansas.
Park
Collier Springs Picnic Area
The Collier Springs Picnic Area is located on Forest Road 177 in Ouachita National Forest, northeast of Norman, Arkansas. The picnic area is notable for the presence of the Collier Springs Shelter, which was built by crews of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939.
Hiking trail • State park • Scenic drives
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a unit of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism in the Ouachita Mountains. The original "Castle in the Sky" lodge was built in 1898 on 2,681-foot Rich Mountain, in Polk County, Arkansas.
Park
Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area
Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is a United States national recreation area in the Ouachita National Forest. State Highway 1, known as the Talimena Scenic Byway in this area, bisects the recreation area. U. S.
34°34'59"N • 93°54'9"W
Lum & Abner Jot-em-Down Store & Museum
Historical place • Museum
Church
Parks Baptist Church
The Parks School is a historic former school building just north of Arkansas Highway 28 in the center of Parks, Arkansas. It is a single-story fieldstone structure, with a gable-on-hip roof, and several small gabled dormers on the long front facade.
Cemetery
Buckville Cemetery
Buckville Cemetery is a historic cemetery in rural Garland County, Arkansas. It is one of the few surviving remnants of the town of Buckville, which was inundated by the creation of Lake Ouachita; the other is the nearby Buckville Baptist Church, which was moved to its present location above the lake's planned water level in 1951.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Wilton Mountain
Wilton Mountain, in Ouachita National Forest, is a summit in the Ouachita Mountains in Le Flore County, Oklahoma, approximately 2 miles from U.S. Route 59 and approximately 6 miles west of the Arkansas state line.
Park
Crystal Recreation Area
The Crystal Campground is located on Forest Road 177 in Ouachita National Forest, northeast of Norman, Arkansas. The campground has nine campsites and a picnic shelter, and provides access to outdoor recreational activities including hiking, swimming, and fishing.
Dam
Bard Springs Dam No. 2
The Bard Springs Dam No. 2 is a historic recreational support facility in Ouachita National Forest. It is located at the Bard Springs recreation site, southeast of Mena and north of Athens in Polk County, off County Road 82 and Forest Road 106 on the banks of Blaylock Creek.
Park
Norman Town Square
The Norman Town Square is a public park at the center of Norman, Arkansas. It is bounded by 9th Street and Golf Course Road to the north and south, and Arkansas Highway 8 and Gurdon Avenue to the east and west.
Baths
Jack Creek Bathhouse
The Jack Creek Bathhouse is a historic recreational facility in Ouachita National Forest, Logan County, Arkansas. It is located south of Booneville, at the Jack Creek Recreation Area in the northern part of the national forest. It is a single-story masonry structure, built out of rustic stone, with a gabled roof supported by logs.
34°23'14"N • 94°2'34"W
Tall Peak
The Tall Peak Fire Tower is a historic fire tower in Ouachita National Forest. It is located at the top of Tall Peak in the southwestern part of the national forest in Polk County, Arkansas.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Flatside Wilderness
The Flatside Wilderness is a 9,507-acre protected area in the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is one of six wilderness areas in the Ouachita National Forest and also the easternmost.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Rich Mountain
Rich Mountain is the second highest point of the U.S. Interior Highlands and Ouachita Mountains, and in the U.S. state of Arkansas; it is also the site of Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

Day trips

Ouachita National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ouachita National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park (Hot Springs), Bathhouse Row (Hot Springs), Hot Springs Mountain Tower (Hot Springs).

48 milesE
Theme park, Water park, Amusement park
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, Hot Springs
Nestled in the scenic city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Magic Springs Theme and Water Park offers a delightful blend of thrills and relaxation for visitors of all ages. This expansive entertainment destination is a premier attraction in the region, providing an array of...
46 milesE
Spa, Historical place, History museum
Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs
Bathhouse Row is a collection of bathhouses, associated buildings, and gardens located at Hot Springs National Park in the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
47 milesE
Observation decks and towers, View point, Mountain
Hot Springs Mountain Tower, Hot Springs
Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a 65.8 metre high observation tower built of lattice steel on Hot Springs Mountain at Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA. Construction began in 1982, and the structure was officially opened to the public on June 3, 1983. The tower is the third to be built on the mountain.
48 milesE
Garden, Park, Botanical garden
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden and woodland garden located at 550 Arkridge Road, approximately 6 miles from Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States.
46 milesS
State park, Mine, Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro
Crater of Diamonds State Park is a 911-acre Arkansas state park in Pike County, Arkansas, in the United States. The park features a 37.5-acre plowed field, the world's only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public.