The Ouachita Trail is a winter hiking wonderland

This parking area provides an ideal spot for the car-drop.

Trail to Arkansas

The second of these Ouachita Trail hikes (Kiamichi River Trailhead to Arkansas Line) starts just off SH 63 and northward on Forest Road 6032 across a usually shallow ford on the Kiamichi River.

Just 100 yards north of the river and through a latched metal gate, a dirt roadway leads to the northeast and intersects the Ouachita Trail running east and west.

The first few of the last seven miles of the Oklahoma leg of the Ouachita Trail cross a number of small tributaries flowing into the Kiamichi River.

These narrow creeks are easily forded in dry weather. Passing through pines and oaks of the Ouachita National Forest, the trail bends to the north after several miles.

Looking to the north through the woods, hikers can glimpse the ridgeline atop Rich Mountain.

A long winding ascent of this mountain begins at about mile four. The climb is fairly steep and rocky, and hikers need to keep a sharp eye for the blue blazes to stay on course.

The trail becomes circuitous along the ridgeline of the mountain, but generally heads northeastward.

The large slabs of rock along the ridge provide a nice rest stop. From the top of Rich Mountain, faint sounds of autos and an occasional motorcycle can be heard in the distance along the Talimena Drive.

Descending the mountain, the last couple of miles of trail proceed to the northeast toward the Arkansas state line. A half-mile or so from Arkansas, a fairly steep ascent begins as the route nears the Talimena Drive.

An abrupt departure from the woods and onto the highway marks the hike's end. A large road sign welcomes visitors to Arkansas. The lot near this marker provides ample parking for a car-drop.

Other inviting hikes can be found along the Oklahoma side of the Ouachita Trail, which is open to backpackers year-around, although winter is not the ideal time to spread a bedroll in these parts.

But during the daytime — even during winter — Oklahoma's premier hiking along the Ouachita Trail can be a welcoming venue for outdoor enthusiasts.