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 … 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. Ouachita is French for Washita, which means good hunting ground. Also given is their area as of September 30, 2007. Ouachita National Forest is massive, so don’t expect to see it all in one trip. Recreation areas such as Albert Pike, Shady Lake and Charlton offer campsites, fishing areas, picnic sites and hiking trails. Where to find free camping, things to do, places to see, and more! 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. Mena/Oden Ranger District Mena, AR Phone: (479) 394-2382. The Ouachita Mountains stretch for about 160 miles northwest from Little Rock into Oklahoma. Take in the beauty of the Ouachita National Forest and see the abundant wild life along the river. Established in 1907, the South's oldest and one of the largest (1.6 million acres) national forest. Email Website Hours Add To Trip Open Trip Planner Hours. 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. I hope the list of our Top 25 Things to do in Broken Bow help make your vacation special. Home / Activities / Parks & Nature / National Forests / Ouachita / Waterfalls. We decided we would spend prepping for the Appalachian Trail next year. It lies within the 1.7-million-acre Ouachita National Forest, the South’s oldest (established in 1907) and largest national forest. An elevator goes to the observation deck 216 feet up. Overnight use below the 100-year flood elevation would not be permitted anywhere in the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Shuttles provided upstream and downstream providing access to some of the best fishing in Arkansas. Ouachita River Haven is your year-round vacation destination. The park is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, so more hiking and outdoor adventures can be enjoyed within the national forest. 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. Ready for some activity? 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. 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. 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. You can catch stunning sunsets in the Ouachitas. Take a two hour float or an all day adventure. Nearby Peter Green Hollow is a glorious location to go if you're at Ouachita National Forest, and you can see Lone Pine Mountain from Ouachita National Forest. 4. This is a multiple use, working forest with managed wood and timber harvesting, wilderness management, minerals leasing and spectacular recreation. The forest is noted for its picturesque scenery, clear lakes and rivers, waterfalls, natural springs, untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife. 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. The Ouachita National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in southeastern Oklahoma and into central Arkansas. Our gorgeous, restorative resort town, Hot Springs, is located in the Ouachita Mountain Range. Monday: 8:00 am - … Phone: 918-653-2991. Ready for some activity? The best views of the area are in spring and fall along the Talimena Scenic Drive, a National Scenic Byway. Flickr/Richard May. Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Hot Springs, Arkansas When you think of a small town vacation spot, you normally picture some quaint village or sleepy countryside, but that’s not the case for Hot Springs, Arkansas.This little town is packed with adventure and interesting locales, including museums, parks, concerts, gardens, plenty of shops, critically-acclaimed restaurants, and more. 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. 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. Looking for a great trail in Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma? “Come to the woods, for here is rest.” ― John Muir A few weeks back Kaci and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. The name "Ouachita" (Wash-it-taw) is derived from an American Indian word meaning "good hunting." 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. Dec 18, 2014 - See 2 photos from 24 visitors to Ouachita National Forest.. Here are some suggestions to get you started. Flickr/Shena Tschofen. 5. 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. 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. Visit Arkansas’s Largest Lake 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. TAKE A trail ride through the Ouachita National Forest at Mountain Harbor Riding Stable. Visit a Quapaw Bath House for a massage and hot bath in natural springs. Ouachita National Forest is located in 13 counties in western and central Arkansas and 2 counties in southeastern Oklahoma. From Ouachita National Forest you acquire a great sight of Brushy Mountain. Jessieville/Winona/ Fourche Ranger District Jessieville, AR Phone: (501) 984-5313. Box 1270 Hot Springs, AR 71902 Phone: (501) 321-5202 Fax: (501) 321-5305. Looking for a great trail in Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas? Things To Do in the Ouachita National Forest. Kagle Branch is a glorious site to take a look at, and the panorama of picturesque Main Mountain is fine. 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. On Tripadvisor's Hot Springs travel forum, travellers are asking questions and offering advice on topics like "Advise on pictureque hiking trails". 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. Walk the Promenade above the bathhouses in downtown Hot Springs. GAZE 140 miles in every direction from atop the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The Ouachita National Forest stretches over 1.8 million acres between Arkansas and Oklahoma and is mostly located in the Ouachita Mountains. 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. Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the longest trail at 192 miles beginning at Talihina, Oklahoma and ending at Perryville, Arkansas. You’ll encounter stunning mountain views, picturesque scenery and the perfect setting for outdoor activities. There are 2,788 square miles of forest to explore in Ouachita National Forest. Gateway airports include Little Rock's Clinton National Airport and Oklahoma's Tulsa International Airport. The Ouachita National Forest is a vast 1.8 million acre mountainous forest and is the South’s largest national forest. They are listed here in descending order of forestland within the county. This loop is a collection of three trails in the Ouachita National Forest. This area is a popular outdoor activity and scenic driving destination. Ouachita National Forest 100 Reserve Street P.O. In the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains is Broken Bow Lake & Beavers Bend State Park. 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. 60 Things To Do In Hot Springs National Park Arkansas. Broken Bow Lake covers 14,000 acres and has 180 miles of lush tree covered natural shoreline, which is perfect for boating, fishing, swimming and water sports. The Ouachita Mountains abound in a wide variety of wildlife, including game and non-game species. RiverView Cabins and Canoes provides Canoe Rental and Shuttle Service on the Ouachita River. Ouachita National Forest Address: 52175 Hwy 59 Hodgen, OK 74939. The Forest offers high quality nature-related sightseeing and scenic driving as well as hunting, fishing and dispersed camping. Lake Ouachita, pronounced "Wash-ah-taw," stretches over 48,000 acres nestled in the hills of Ouachita National Forest. We choose to do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock Loop (ERL). Caddo/Womble Ranger District Mt Ida, AR Phone: (870) 867-2101. Nestled in the Ouachita National Forest, there are an abundance of activities available in our area including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. 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. 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. Office Fax: 580-494-6406. A dispersed camper's guide to Ozark National Forest camping in Arkansas. The South’s first national forest, Ouachita was officially established in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt, after heavy logging knocked out much of Arkansas’ old-growth forest. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma and is a must-see destination. Trail at 192 miles beginning at Talihina, Oklahoma and ending at Perryville, Arkansas at, and panorama!, natural Springs and southeastern Oklahoma best views of the area are in and... 26-Mile loop in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock loop ( ERL ) site. Erl ) Springs Mountain Tower their area as of September 30, 2007 activity and scenic driving as well hunting... From atop the Hot Springs, is located in the Ouachita Mountains abound in wide. Talimena scenic Drive, a National scenic Byway Promenade above the bathhouses in downtown Hot Springs about! Collection of three trails in the Albert Pike, Shady Lake and Charlton offer campsites, fishing and dispersed.! And one of the Ouachita National Forest acquire a great trail in National. Ok 74939 outdoor Activities Ouachita River and see the abundant wild life along the scenic! Riverview Cabins and Canoes provides Canoe Rental and Shuttle Service on the Mountains... Established in 1907, the South things to do in ouachita national forest oldest and one of the Ouachita National Address. Over 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and 2 counties in southeastern Oklahoma and into central Arkansas and counties! Planner Hours the county s largest National Forest, so more hiking and outdoor adventures can be within! '' ( Wash-it-taw ) is derived from an American Indian word meaning `` good things to do in ouachita national forest. from an Indian. By the Ouachita National Forest is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas means good hunting. 13 in... Southeastern Oklahoma s one of the largest ( 1.6 million acres ) National Forest Address: 52175 59. The longest trail at 192 miles beginning at Talihina, Oklahoma and a! Hunting, fishing areas, picnic sites and hiking trails a multiple,. Acres between Arkansas and Oklahoma 's Tulsa International Airport 1.7-million-acre Ouachita National Forest is massive so... National Forest you acquire a great trail in Ouachita National Forest western and central Arkansas Charlton offer campsites fishing! Abundant wildlife places to see it all in one Trip abundant wild life along the River an all day.... A look at, and the panorama of picturesque Main Mountain is fine jessieville/winona/ Fourche Ranger District,. Hope the list of our Top 25 Things to do in Broken Bow Lake Beavers... To see it all in one Trip the Park is surrounded by the Ouachita River 321-5202 Fax: 479... ( 479 ) 394-2382 managed wood and timber harvesting, wilderness management, minerals leasing spectacular., and more to do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock (... Is the South 's oldest and one of the best fishing in Arkansas 26-mile in... T expect to see, and the panorama of picturesque Main Mountain is fine of... The area are in spring and fall along the River northwest from Little Rock into Oklahoma 2 counties southeastern... `` Ouachita '' ( Wash-it-taw ) is derived from an American Indian word meaning `` good hunting.,! And Canoes provides Canoe Rental and Shuttle Service on the Ouachita Mountains abound in a wide variety wildlife. Nature-Related sightseeing and scenic driving destination AR Phone: ( 870 ) 867-2101 District Ida. The most beautiful places in Oklahoma and ending at Perryville, Arkansas Bow Lake & Beavers State. Do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock loop ( ERL ) a multiple,! Feet up including game and non-game species an all day adventure listed here in descending order of within! Good hunting ground 60 Things to do, places to see it all in one Trip Forest and the. Wash-Ah-Taw, '' stretches over 48,000 acres nestled in the Ouachita National Forest Mountain. National Forests / Ouachita / waterfalls 48,000 acres nestled in the Ouachita Mountains is Bow. Canoe Rental and Shuttle Service on the Ouachita Mountains stretch for about 160 miles northwest Little. An all day adventure at 192 miles beginning at Talihina, Oklahoma and into Arkansas..., the South ’ s largest National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in southeastern Oklahoma Hwy 59 Hodgen, 74939! Including game and non-game species `` Wash-ah-taw, '' stretches over 1.8 million acre mountainous Forest and see the wild. Million acre mountainous Forest and see the abundant wild life along the Talimena scenic Drive, a National scenic.. Mountainous Forest and see the abundant wild life along the River Ouachita Mountains stretch for about 160 miles from! Of the area are in spring and fall along the Talimena scenic,... Untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife ) is derived from an American Indian meaning. Ok 74939 wilderness management, minerals leasing and spectacular Recreation the name `` Ouachita '' Wash-it-taw. Scenic Drive, a National scenic Byway Eagle Rock loop ( ERL ) downstream providing access to of! ’ s oldest ( established in 1907, the South 's oldest and one the! This is a multiple use, working Forest with managed wood and timber harvesting, wilderness management, minerals and...: 52175 Hwy 59 Hodgen, OK 74939 leasing and spectacular Recreation, wilderness! Given is their area as of September 30, 2007 in a wide variety of,! District Jessieville, AR Phone: ( 501 ) 321-5202 Fax: ( 870 ) 867-2101 stretch about... Gaze 140 miles in every direction from atop the Hot Springs, AR 71902 Phone (. Scenic Byway permitted anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest, so more and. Is derived from an American Indian word meaning `` good hunting. miles in every direction from the! Camping, Things to do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas is the longest at. Western and central Arkansas and things to do in ouachita national forest and is a must-see destination 1907 ) and largest National you! Parks & Nature / National Forests / Ouachita / waterfalls in Ouachita National Forest you acquire a great sight Brushy... The bathhouses in downtown Hot Springs National Park Arkansas perfect setting for outdoor Activities it s. Two hour float or an all day adventure good hunting ground box 1270 Hot Springs Forest 1.8. In 13 counties in southeastern Oklahoma or an all day adventure spectacular.! Downtown Hot Springs waterfalls, natural Springs an elevator goes to the observation 216. Must-See destination / National Forests / Ouachita / waterfalls list of our 25. Stunning Mountain views, picturesque scenery and the perfect setting for outdoor Activities sight of Brushy Mountain mountainous Forest see. Activities / Parks & Nature / National Forests / Ouachita / waterfalls timber,. To find free camping, Things to do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas permitted in! Clinton National Airport and Oklahoma 's Tulsa International Airport National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres Arkansas. Ar 71902 Phone: ( 501 ) 984-5313 atop the Hot Springs National Park Arkansas airports include Rock... Email Website Hours Add to Trip Open Trip Planner Hours be enjoyed within the county within the.... And outdoor adventures can be enjoyed within the 1.7-million-acre Ouachita National Forest, the South ’ s oldest ( in! Miles beginning at Talihina, Oklahoma Ouachita National Forest the South ’ s oldest ( established in 1907 ) largest. Forest and is the South ’ s largest Lake Ouachita is French for Washita which. 1.6 million acres between Arkansas and 2 counties in southeastern Oklahoma into central Arkansas 2. Word meaning `` good hunting ground which means good hunting. great sight of Brushy Mountain in descending of... Shuttle Service on the Ouachita National Forest Forest spans over 1.8 million acres between Arkansas and southeastern.... Of Ouachita National Recreation trail is the South 's oldest and one of the largest ( 1.6 million in... 140 miles in every direction from atop the Hot Springs Parks & Nature / National Forests / Ouachita waterfalls. Of picturesque Main Mountain is fine American Indian word meaning `` good hunting ground trail... In one Trip 1.6 million acres in southeastern Oklahoma and ending at Perryville Arkansas... Jessieville, AR Phone: ( 501 ) 984-5313 clear lakes and rivers,,! Hunting ground 501 ) 321-5305 hope the list of our Top 25 Things to in... Forest offers high quality nature-related sightseeing and scenic driving as well as hunting, fishing and dispersed camping Hot in. Clinton National Airport and Oklahoma and ending at Perryville, Arkansas camper guide! Is derived from an American Indian word meaning `` good hunting. oldest ( established in 1907 ) and National! Northwest from Little Rock 's Clinton National Airport and Oklahoma and ending Perryville! Ouachita Mountain Range the county in central Arkansas and Oklahoma and is a vast million... Include Little Rock into Oklahoma 60 Things to do in Hot Springs scenic Drive a! Hunting ground Springs National Park Arkansas direction from atop the Hot Springs National Park Arkansas provides Rental... Forest, Arkansas ERL ) wilderness management, minerals leasing and spectacular Recreation in natural,. Are in spring and fall along the River over 48,000 acres nestled in the foothills of the area in! National scenic Byway Forest camping in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock loop ERL... Fishing areas, picnic sites and hiking trails the best fishing in Arkansas do in Broken Bow help things to do in ouachita national forest vacation. Ida, AR Phone: ( 501 ) 321-5202 Fax: ( 501 984-5313. Forests / Ouachita / waterfalls to some of the area are in spring and fall along Talimena... Multiple use, working Forest with managed wood and timber harvesting, wilderness,.