Ouachita National Forest

Outstanding mountain views coupled with picturesque streams, rivers, and lakes provide a unique and highly valued setting for outdoor recreation.

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. 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 leasing, and outdoor recreation. Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, scenic driving, trail riding, water recreation, fishing, hunting, and more!

https://www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Black Fork Mountain Wilderness - With 5,149 acres in Oklahoma and 8,430 acres in Arkansas, the wilderness features Black Fork Mountain, a steeply sloped ridge with numerous rock flows, rugged terrain, scenic overlooks, and diverse shrub and tree species.

Caney Creek Wilderness - 14,460 acres featuring secluded forest scenic overlooks, flowing streams, and hiking trails.

Dry Creek Wilderness - Offering 6,310 acres of secluded forest, scenic overlooks, seasonal flowing stream, and sandstone bluffs.

Flatside Wilderness - Featuring 9,507 acres of small creeks, panoramic views, rugged terrain, and a section of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

Poteau Mountain Wilderness - 11,299 acres featuring rock outcrops, scenic overlooks, streams, and seclude forest.

Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness - 10,819 acres featuring prominent steeply sloped ridges heavily forested with a variety of species.

Invasive Species