View Full Version : Ouachita trail
Anyone out there done the OT? 230 miles Ithink. From SE Oklahoma to Hot Springs Arkansas.
johnny quest
10-03-2007, 15:14
i havent done it but im interested. when we going?
I drove the route last September, just to get a feel for the campgrounds. Spent a night at Iron Springs and near Horsethief springs, if I remember right.
It is really hot during the late spring, summer, and early fall and there's not a lot of water during those periods. Late fall and early spring, however, I've heard can be wonderful.
There are a lot of "rock gardens" to hike through, so miles are a bit harder to come by than one may think.
It's beautiful, however. The view from the ridgeline is nothing short of spectacular.
Also .... there is hunting allowed in November and December, and it can snow in Jan, Feb, and March. So be prepared.
taildragger
10-03-2007, 17:58
hrmm, this seems like a good shakedown hike for me since its in my backyard (at least it will be once I leave this godforsaken region, no offense...)
Old Hillwalker
10-03-2007, 18:04
When I lived just east of Dallas in 2002 we frequently would drive to Oklahoma and hike and camp on the Talimena
side of the trail. Specifically Winding Stair area. One night in January we got run out of one of the campgrounds by two heavily tattooed park rangers with sidearms who thought they were John Rambos. Even though the campground was open for backpackers they decided that since it was winter it should be closed. Moved to beautiful Idaho's mountains soon after and never looked back.
taildragger
10-03-2007, 18:08
One night in January we got run out of one of the campgrounds by two heavily tattooed park rangers with sidearms who thought they were John Rambos. Even though the campground was open for backpackers they decided that since it was winter it should be closed.
The southern and southeastern parts of Oklahoma are colourful to say the least. This sounds like something that I really would not be suprised by. People down that way tend to believe that they were never reconstructed and that General Lee is still in charge.
Pringles
10-03-2007, 20:29
I've done a little bit, West of Iron Springs (Highway 7). It was beautiful, and the trail I hiked on was very well maintained. There were some shelters, too. It's been ten years since I was there, but I'd like to do more.
Pringles