There are 2,788 square miles of forest to explore in Ouachita National Forest. Also given is their area as of September 30, 2007. Ready for some activity? In the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains is Broken Bow Lake & Beavers Bend State Park. Dec 18, 2014 - See 2 photos from 24 visitors to Ouachita National Forest.. Box 1270 Hot Springs, AR 71902 Phone: (501) 321-5202 Fax: (501) 321-5305. 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: Lots to do in the Ouachita National Forest - See 208 traveller reviews, 89 candid photos, and great deals for Hot Springs, AR, at Tripadvisor. Ouachita is French for Washita, which means good hunting ground. 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. 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. 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. Mena/Oden Ranger District Mena, AR Phone: (479) 394-2382. Visit Arkansas’s Largest Lake Walk the Promenade above the bathhouses in downtown Hot Springs. Ouachita National Forest Address: 52175 Hwy 59 Hodgen, OK 74939. 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. They are listed here in descending order of forestland within the county. 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. 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 … Our gorgeous, restorative resort town, Hot Springs, is located in the Ouachita Mountain Range. 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. 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. The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. The Ouachita National Forest is a vast 1.8 million acre mountainous forest and is the South’s largest national forest. Overnight use below the 100-year flood elevation would not be permitted anywhere in the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the longest trail at 192 miles beginning at Talihina, Oklahoma and ending at Perryville, 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. Ouachita National Forest is located in 13 counties in western and central Arkansas and 2 counties in southeastern Oklahoma. Lake Ouachita, pronounced "Wash-ah-taw," stretches over 48,000 acres nestled in the hills of Ouachita National Forest. 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. Established in 1907, the South's oldest and one of the largest (1.6 million acres) national forest. A dispersed camper's guide to Ozark National Forest camping in Arkansas. On Tripadvisor's Hot Springs travel forum, travellers are asking questions and offering advice on topics like "Advise on pictureque hiking trails". Home / Activities / Parks & Nature / National Forests / Ouachita / Waterfalls. Caddo/Womble Ranger District Mt Ida, AR Phone: (870) 867-2101. Gateway airports include Little Rock's Clinton National Airport and Oklahoma's Tulsa International Airport. 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. Jessieville/Winona/ Fourche Ranger District Jessieville, AR Phone: (501) 984-5313. The Ouachita Mountains stretch for about 160 miles northwest from Little Rock into Oklahoma. Flickr/Richard May. 5. 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. 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. We choose to do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock Loop (ERL). The Forest offers high quality nature-related sightseeing and scenic driving as well as hunting, fishing and dispersed camping. Kagle Branch is a glorious site to take a look at, and the panorama of picturesque Main Mountain is fine. This area is a popular outdoor activity and scenic driving destination. You can catch stunning sunsets in the Ouachitas. Ouachita National Forest 100 Reserve Street P.O. Looking for a great trail in Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas? Visit a Quapaw Bath House for a massage and hot bath in natural springs. Flickr/Shena Tschofen. 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. 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. This loop is a collection of three trails in the Ouachita National Forest. Ouachita River Haven is your year-round vacation destination. Here are some suggestions to get you started. Phone: 918-653-2991. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma and is a must-see destination. 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. Office Fax: 580-494-6406. 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. We decided we would spend prepping for the Appalachian Trail next year. Where to find free camping, things to do, places to see, and more! 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. Things To Do in the Ouachita National Forest. The forest is noted for its picturesque scenery, clear lakes and rivers, waterfalls, natural springs, untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife. Monday: 8:00 am - … GAZE 140 miles in every direction from atop the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Take a two hour float or an all day adventure. Take in the beauty of the Ouachita National Forest and see the abundant wild life along the river. Ready for some activity? 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. 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. It lies within the 1.7-million-acre Ouachita National Forest, the South’s oldest (established in 1907) and largest national forest. The best views of the area are in spring and fall along the Talimena Scenic Drive, a National Scenic Byway. Recreation areas such as Albert Pike, Shady Lake and Charlton offer campsites, fishing areas, picnic sites and hiking trails. 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. I hope the list of our Top 25 Things to do in Broken Bow help make your vacation special. INFORMATION. 60 Things To Do In Hot Springs National Park Arkansas. 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. 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. Shuttles provided upstream and downstream providing access to some of the best fishing in Arkansas. An elevator goes to the observation deck 216 feet up. Ouachita National Forest is massive, so don’t expect to see it all in one trip. The Ouachita National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in southeastern Oklahoma and into central Arkansas. The name "Ouachita" (Wash-it-taw) is derived from an American Indian word meaning "good hunting." Nestled in the Ouachita National Forest, there are an abundance of activities available in our area including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. 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. “Come to the woods, for here is rest.” ― John Muir A few weeks back Kaci and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. The park is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, so more hiking and outdoor adventures can be enjoyed within the national forest. RiverView Cabins and Canoes provides Canoe Rental and Shuttle Service on the Ouachita River. The Ouachita National Forest stretches over 1.8 million acres between Arkansas and Oklahoma and is mostly located in the Ouachita Mountains. This is a multiple use, working forest with managed wood and timber harvesting, wilderness management, minerals leasing and spectacular recreation. From Ouachita National Forest you acquire a great sight of Brushy Mountain. You’ll encounter stunning mountain views, picturesque scenery and the perfect setting for outdoor activities. 4. Looking for a great trail in Ouachita National Forest, Oklahoma? Email Website Hours Add To Trip Open Trip Planner Hours.