Brushy Creek Trail Loop (Ouachita Forest) – 7 mi

This is a scenic 6.5-mile loop which begins at the Big Brushy Recreation Area (Montgomery County), about 30 miles east of Mena, Arkansas. The trail begins at the back of the recreation area and makes a counterclockwise loop. The last 3.1 miles of the loop are on Section 4 of the Ouachita Trail.

Ouachita Trail: 13.4-19.9 Wildhorse Creek to Holson Valley Vista to Horsethief Springs (Section 1)

This stretch of the Ouachita Trail Section 1 on Winding Stair Mountain (LeFlore County, OK) goes from Horsethief Springs (19.9) to a stream that becomes Wildhorse Creek (13.4), about 5.5 miles to the west. As an 11-mile out-and-back day hike, it is challenging but doable (for many). Beautiful area with lots of rock formations!

Ouachita Trail: 08.0-13.4 – Deadman’s Gap to Cedar Branch to Wildhorse Creek (Section 1)

This is a scenic but challenging 5.5-mile Ouachita Trail Section 1 segment on Winding Stair Mountain (LeFlore County, near Heavener) starting at Deadman’s Gap (about Mile 8, near Deadman Vista overlook) and heading east to a branch that becomes Wildhorse Creek (about Mile 13.4).

Ouachita Trail: 88.2-90.3 – FR 48 to FR 813 on Rockhouse Mtn. (Section 4)

This is a cool 2.1-mile segment of the Ouachita Trail Section 4 that is pretty accessible, not difficult climbing, and a good length for a day hike (4.2 miles as out-and-back). It is in both Scott and Montgomery Counties, a little bit east of Y City.

Ouachita Trail: 30.5-34.3 – Hwy 259 (Big Cedar Trailhead) to Pashubbe Trailhead (Section 2)

This 3.8-mile stretch on Section 2 of the Ouachita Trail from Big Cedar Trailhead (on Highway 259, LeFlore County, OK, Ouachita National Forest) to the Pashubbe Trailhead is an accessible and moderately challenging hike. It makes about an 8-mile out-and-back day hike with a couple of seasonal stream crossings and a few ponds.

Ouachita Trail: 47.8-51.6 – FR 514 to Queen Wilhelmina (Pioneer Cemetery) (Section 2)

This is an enjoyable 3.8-mile east-west stretch of the Ouachita Trail in Polk County (near Mena) with Forest Road 514 (Polk County Road 100) on the west end and the Queen Wilhelmina State Park (QWSP) Lodge on the east end. It is easily accessible for an enjoyable 7 or 8 mile out-and-back day hike.