Hiking
Backpacking and day hiking are both available in the forest.
Backpacking
Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there are many ways to make sure that your experience is fun and safe.
Day Hikes
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit our forest’s ranger district office, All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Albert Pike Day Use
Site Open
Nestled in the forested splendor of the rugged Ouachita Mountains, this recreation area is located in the southern portion of the national forest. Visitors are invited to hike the nature trail or…
Athens Big Fork Trail
Rather than running east to west along creek beds like other trails on the Caddo-Womble Ranger District, this trail runs north to south across the mountains. Crossing eight mountains, the trail is…
Bard Springs Recreation Area
Site Temporarily Closed
Small campground with Adirondack-type shelters in a remote mountain setting on a small scenic stream. It provides a good site for a base camp for hikers in the Caney Creek Wilderness.
Bear Creek Trail & Horse Camp
Along this trail, visitors will enjoy a variety of settings including forested creeks, panoramic vistas, and captivating rock formations. The trail consists of 4 loops, offering visitors…
Beech Creek National Scenic Area & Botanical Area
Site Open
The 7,500-acre scenic area is known for its beautiful old beech trees, other middle-aged to mature trees and vegetation. Enjoy 32.5 miles of interconnecting hiking trails through different ecosystems…
Belle Starr Multi-Use
Site Open
The Belle Starr Mult-Use Trail is a 22.6 mile looping trail that winds over the unique and varied terrain of the Ouachita National Forest. Riders and hikers will experience a diverse forest, with…
Belle Starr North Parking/Trailhead
Site Open
The North Parking/Trailhead provides access to the Belle Starr Multi-Use Trail. Trails are gravel or unsurfaced. The trail is marked with yellow rectangles. Markers are posted at intersections to…
Belle Starr West Parking/Trailhead
Site Open
The West Parking/Trailhead provides access to the Belle Starr Multi-Use Trail.Trails are gravel or unsurfaced. The trail is marked with yellow rectangles. Markers are posted at intersections to help…
Big Brushy Creek Day Use
Site Open
Attractive wooded setting on stream bank. Has a loop trail and parking/access for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
Big Brushy Trail Complex
Brushy Mountain, Mountain Top, Rockhouse and Brushy Creek Trails, combined with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, allow many opportunities for loop-trail hiking and biking, ranging from 3 to 12…