Ouachita Trail in Oklahoma: Spring Day Hikes
· 5 min read · Jeff Williams, Panorama Ranch
Last updated
April brings dogwood, redbud and wildflowers to the Winding Stair Mountains. Here are the best Ouachita Trail day hikes on the Oklahoma end.
The Ouachita Trail in Oklahoma starts at Talimena State Park, 15 miles by road from Panorama Ranch, and climbs into the Winding Stair Mountains of the Ouachita National Forest. April is one of the best months to hike it. Dogwood and redbud bloom in the understory, wildflowers come up on the north slopes, and the summer heat and ticks haven't fully arrived yet.
Key takeaways
- The Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs 192 miles through the Ouachita National Forest. It begins at Talimena State Park on US-271 near Talihina, and a 32-mile extension continues to Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas.
- Trail elevations range from about 600 to 2,600 feet, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
- There's no fee to hike the trail, and Talimena State Park lists free admission.
- Good Oklahoma day hikes include the trail's west end, the Horsethief Springs loop and the 7.5-mile Billy Creek loop.
Why hike the Ouachita Trail in Oklahoma in spring?
I'll be honest: I'm partial to April in these mountains. The hardwoods leaf out in that bright new green, and the shortleaf pines look darker beside them. Down in the hollows the creeks are still running from winter and spring rain. The Forest Service's wildflower guide to the Talimena Scenic Drive lists flowering dogwood and redbud in the understory. On the cooler north slopes it names spring wildflowers like trillium, fire pink, bloodroot, phlox and wild hyacinth.
That's the photo at the top of this post: an oak-and-pine trail in the national forest just as the leaves were coming on.
About the Ouachita National Recreation Trail
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail is "the longest trail in the Ouachita National Forest," at 192 miles. In the west it begins at Talimena State Park on Highway 271 near Talihina, Oklahoma. Its eastern end is south of Perryville, Arkansas, and another 32 miles carry it on to Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock. Lots of road crossings and access points make it easy to plan point-to-point day hikes. The nonprofit Friends of the Ouachita Trail helps maintain it and posts trail conditions.
In Oklahoma the trail follows the Winding Stair Mountain ridge, crossing and running near the Talimena National Scenic Byway (OK-1). That means you can park at a vista or trailhead and hike a section without committing to a long backpacking trip.
Best Oklahoma day hikes for spring
West end at Talimena State Park (15 mi from the ranch)
Talimena State Park is the trail's western terminus. The park has restrooms with showers, a picnic pavilion and a small gift shop. From here the trail climbs right away into the Winding Stair Mountains. Hike out as far as your legs want and turn around. The first stretch climbs toward views of the Potato Hills.
Horsethief Springs loop (Cedar Lake trailhead, 17 mi)
The Horsethief Springs Trail makes a loop of roughly 11 miles from Cedar Lake. It uses a section of the Ouachita Trail and passes the historic spring at the Horsethief Springs day-use area on OK-1, 21 miles from the ranch. The Ouachita Trail portion is for hikers only, with no horses.
Billy Creek loop (26 mi)
The Forest Service says the Billy Creek Trail starts at Billy Creek Campground, climbs to the top of Winding Stair Mountain and loops back for a total of 7½ miles. There's a natural pool in the creek at the bottom. There's no fee, but the water isn't for drinking, so carry your own.
Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum (28 mi)
For an easier walk, the Kerr Memorial Arboretum sits 2 miles east of US-259 on the Talimena Scenic Byway. Its interpretive trails explain the plants, trees and soils of the Ouachitas. The USFS lists it as open spring through fall with no fee. There's no potable water.
Spring hiking tips for the Ouachitas
- Ticks come early. Treat clothes, wear long pants and do a tick check every evening.
- Creek crossings rise fast after spring storms. If water is high, don't cross.
- Carry water and a filter. Many trailheads don't have drinking water.
- Cell service is spotty on the ridges. Download maps before you leave and tell somebody your plan.
- Watch for prescribed burns. The Forest Service and ODWC burn thousands of acres a year to keep these forests healthy. Check Ouachita NF alerts before you go.
- Hunting seasons overlap. Spring turkey season runs in April, so wearing a bright color isn't a bad idea.
Ouachita National Forest lodging in Oklahoma
There are developed campgrounds at Talimena State Park, Cedar Lake and Winding Stair. If you'd rather sleep in a real bed between hikes, that's what we built Panorama Ranch for. The ranch is about 1.6 miles from the Ouachita National Forest boundary in the Summerfield area of LeFlore County. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and room for up to 8 (one on the couch). There's a stocked bass pond and a hilltop for watching the sun go down over the hills. The road is paved all the way to the gate.
More spring and summer ideas: our Cedar Lake Oklahoma trail riding guide covers the horse trails, and our crappie fishing on Wister Lake post covers the spawn. Come fall, the same trails turn gold. See best time for Talimena Drive fall foliage.
Quick facts
- Distance from Panorama Ranch: 15 mi to the Ouachita Trail's west end at Talimena State Park, 17 mi to the Cedar Lake/Horsethief Springs trailhead, 26 mi to Billy Creek, 28 mi to Kerr Arboretum
- Trail length: 192 miles in the national forest, plus a 32-mile extension to Pinnacle Mountain SP (USFS)
- Elevation range: about 600 to 2,600 feet
- Best season: spring (April for dogwood and redbud) and fall
- Fees: no fee for the trail. Talimena State Park lists free admission.
- Official info: USFS Ouachita National Recreation Trail
Come see what's nearby or look around the house at Panorama Ranch.
Panorama Ranch opens for direct bookings January 15, 2027; reserve your dates at [panoramaranch.us](https://panoramaranch.us/#book).
Questions
Where does the Ouachita Trail start in Oklahoma?
The Ouachita National Recreation Trail begins at Talimena State Park on US-271 near Talihina, Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Forest Service. That is the trail's western terminus, 15 miles by road from Panorama Ranch. From there it runs 192 miles east through the Ouachita National Forest, with a 32-mile extension to Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
How long is the Ouachita Trail?
The U.S. Forest Service says the Ouachita National Recreation Trail spans 192 miles across the Ouachita National Forest, from Talimena State Park in Oklahoma to south of Perryville, Arkansas. Another 32 miles on other lands extend it to Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock. Elevations range from about 600 to 2,600 feet.
When is the best time to hike the Ouachita Trail?
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons on the Ouachita Trail in Oklahoma. April brings dogwood, redbud and wildflowers like trillium and fire pink to the Winding Stair Mountains, and October and November bring fall color. Summer is hot, humid and buggy, and winter hiking is cold but quiet.
Is there a fee to hike the Ouachita Trail?
No. The U.S. Forest Service lists no fee for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, and TravelOK lists free admission at Talimena State Park, where the trail begins. Some developed recreation areas along the way, like Cedar Lake, charge day-use or camping fees, so check each site's official page before you go.