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Ouachita National Forest was first established in 1907 as "Arkansas National Forest." Spanning from central Arkansas into the eastern edge of Oklahoma, the Ouachita Mountains serve as one of the Natural State’s top destinations for ecotourism and outdoor adventure, with dense forests and winding streams that play host to a wealth of native wildlife—and when it comes to exploring the region’s pristine beauty, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the perfect route. Measuring in at 223 miles between both states, this renowned course is perfect for an immersion into the rugged beauty of Arkansas, with scenic state parks and panoramic lookout points scattered all across the trail. While the bulk of the trail winds through Ouachita National Forest, its eastern terminus serves as a particularly popular attraction for Little Rock residents, found just outside of city limits at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Officially established in 1977, this idyllic preserve is best known as the home of Pinnacle Mountain, a 308-meter peak that’s popular with hikers. During a visit, guests are welcome to tackle the West Summit Trail—a heavily-trafficked path that offers gorgeous views of Lake Maumelle—or check out the Arkansas Arboretum Trail for a deep dive on the state’s indigenous flora. Further west, other highlights along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail include the Buffalo Gap Trail, Flatside Pinnacle vista point and Queen Wilhelmina State Park—and while outdoor adventurers abound across the entirety of the trail, you’re bound to encounter a lot more than just hikers during a typical trek. Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a popular destination for both hiking and mountain biking. Portions of Ouachita National Forest were left untouched by logging companies over the centuries, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore vast swathes of old-growth oak forest. During a foray into its pristine woodlands, birders can feast their eyes on a remarkable array of native North American avifauna, with tiny passerines and fearsome raptors thriving across the region. During the spring and fall migration seasons, warblers are a particular highlight for visitors, with species spanning from yellow-rumped to magnolia to bay-breasted—and the surrounding forests are also brimming with native woodpeckers including the red-headed woodpecker and northern flicker. In terms of other colorful inhabitants, visitors can keep an eye out for birds like the blue grosbeak, scarlet tanager and Baltimore oriole, each one serving as potential prey for Ouachita National Forest’s northern harriers and American kestrels. Of course, it’s not just birds that thrive along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. White-tailed deer are a common sight across the entirety of the trail, while early morning hikers can spot plenty of cottontail rabbits and the occasional armadillo strolling through the underbrush. Beyond these creatures, explorers can also spot their fair share of eastern gray squirrels and eastern chipmunks throughout the day, while truly fortunate visitors might be able to catch a glimpse of a bobcat or American black bear, two species that thrive in the most remote reaches of the national forest. And beyond mammals, the region also plays host to a few reptile species, with the eastern hognose snake, green anole and little brown skink being a few of the residents that hikers might encounter during their journey. MORE FOR YOU The magnolia warbler is one of several warbler species that can be found along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail during migration season. Though Arkansas isn’t particularly well-known for its ecotourism opportunities, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail offers a glimpse into the more wild side of the state, with a diverse array of native flora and fauna flourishing from end to end. Whether you’re hoping to catch a stellar sunrise above the hills, scope out some rare North American birds or just immerse yourself in the soothing ambiance of an old-growth forest, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail is certain to leave you with lasting memories of the pristine beauty of central Arkansas. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
