The best waterfall hikes and walks in Ouachita National Forest

This trailhead sits right along Highway 298 and is one of several access points for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail (ONRT). While there are no restrooms or drinking water here, there is a short spur trail leading to the Upper Fork Ouachita River—it is an excellent water source and a great spot to pitch a tent if you are thru-hiking the 223-mile trail.

The Ouachita National Forest, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 and initially named the Arkansas National Forest, covers an impressive 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. It is the oldest and largest National Forest in the Southern Region. The forest features a diverse mix of pine and hickory trees with over 700 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There are multiple developed recreation areas, scenic vistas, shooting ranges, historical sites, wilderness areas, and one national recreation area within the forest. Most of the developed recreation areas are open from April to September, although some sites remain accessible year-round. The Ouachita National Forest is breathtaking in every season, providing expansive views of mountains that stretch for miles.

The Brushy Trail Complex combines Brushy Mountain, Mountain Top, Rockhouse, and Brushy Creek Trails, which, along with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, offer a variety of fantastic loop-trail hiking options spanning from 3 to 12 miles. This area is picturesque, with flowing streams, waterfalls, unique geological formations, and peaceful woodlands. Entrance to the day use area and dispersed camping is free—just be sure you camp at least 100 feet away from any trail. Brushy Creek is a reliable water source for thru hikers exploring the ONRT, making it an excellent spot to spend the night during a long journey.

This trailhead sits right along Highway 7 with a relatively large parking area and trail registration box. There is no water or restroom here. It is an access point of Ouachita Trail that leads to Wolf Pinnacle, a popular destination for day hikers for its scenic views, and is commonly used as a supply drop for thru-hikers.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state from its fully renovated lodge. Known as the original “Castle in the Sky,” originally built in 1898, the lodge is situated on the 2,681-foot Rich Mountain—Arkansas' second highest peak. The original lodge was built in the late 1800s as a Victorian resort named Wilhelmina Inn to honor the young Queen of the Netherlands, after Dutch investors helped fund the construction of the railroad system. The park includes 41 campsites, including five tent sites with water, one hike-in tent site, picnic areas, and several short hiking trails, and the lodge features 40 rooms, a restaurant featuring Southern cuisine, and a gift shop. Dogs are welcome except in the restaurant and the large hearth room.

The Kiamichi River is a beautiful tributary of the Red River, stretching for 177 miles as it winds through Pushmataha County and the Kiamichi Mountains. The river is mostly untouched, with limited access, and is known for its excellent bass and catfish fishing opportunities. It's a favorite destination for organized canoe float trips (Class I-II), so you may encounter others enjoying this scenic river while you're here.

The Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness spans 10,372 acres within the Ouachita National Forest. This beautiful area is protected by the long ridges of Pine Mountain and Rich Mountain and features picturesque groves of beech trees as well as dense forests of pine and hardwoods. It offers excellent hiking and fishing opportunities along the Kiamichi River and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, skunks, and pheasants.

Wilton Mountain is nestled 2 miles from U.S. Route 59 and approximately 6 miles west of the Arkansas state line, with an elevation of 2,543 feet above sea level. The summit (easy to reach from the trail or the highway) offers great panoramic views of the Kiamichi Mountains in the distance, especially after the leaf-off. There is a relatively flat ridge area that makes for an excellent resting or camping spot, complete with an unofficial camping area and a fire ring.