The Basics
Ouachita National Forest
Main Office
100 Reserve Street
PO Box 1270
Hot Springs, AR 71902
Phone: (501) 321-5202
Fax: (501) 321-5305
About the Ouachita National Forest
The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest National Forest in the southern United States, being established in 1907. The National Forest covers a large portion of western Arkansas, and extends into eastern Oklahoma, covering most of the Ouachita Mountain Range. The area was first explored by Hernando de Soto in the 1500s, with French explorers following later. They left their mark on the land with many names still used today, such as the Fourche La Fave River. Ouachita is also French, which is their spelling of the Indian word Washita, meaning "good hunting grounds".
Areas of interest within and bordering the Ouachita National Forest include six Wilderness Areas, several National Scenic Areas, the Little Missouri Wild & Scenic River, Flatside Pinnacle, and Lake Ouachita. Major trails include the Eagle Rock Loop Trail, the Athens-Big Fork Trail, the Lake Ouachita Vista (LOViT) Trail, and the 225 mile long Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
Scenic drives that pass through the forest include Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway, Talimena National Scenic Byway, and the Winona Auto Tour.
Be sure to check out the beautiful video of the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma, courtesy of OKLAVision.tv
*Currently, there are so many more features and areas within the Ouachita NF than I have had time to photograph, gather information for, and list here. As soon as new information become available, and I am able to gather pictures, I will post these new areas and features here.*
Ranger Districts & Features
Click on ¨Go¨ next to each ranger district for more info
| Ranger District | Campgrounds | Trails | Swimming Holes | Waterfalls | Springs | Caves | Offroad/ATV Areas | Wilderness Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caddo/Womble Ranger Districts Go |
X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Jessieville/Winona/Fourche Ranger Districts Go |
X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Mena/Oden Ranger Districts Go |
X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Poteau/Cold Springs Ranger Districts Go |
X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Oklahoma Ranger Districts Go |
X | X | X | |||||
If you are looking for mountain-top campsites with spectacular views, the Ouachita National Forest has just what you are looking for. Plus... (continue)
Miles and miles of ridge top trails and mountain valley trails await you in the Ouachita Mountains, with some of the best being in the National Forest. If you are looking for... (continue)
The Ouachita National Forest offers many beautiful swimming spots, with most located at or near a campground, providing easy access for many. Some others ... (continue)
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... (continue)
Offroad use, especially with ATVs and dirtbikes, has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the Ouachita National Forest has... (continue)
There are six designated wilderness areas found within the Ouachita National Forest, and each one has its own unique characteristics. Dense forest, clear creeks and... (continue)