Fall 2008 - info on Ouachita Trail hikes

In response to comment posted on OT page:

I am planning a 2 week hike in October/November. Can anyone give me some information regarding this trail? I am looking for any 'regional' information: good places to camp, water sources, resupply options, etc. I hiked the Appalachian Trail(thru hike in 02) and miss long distance hiking. I live near Houston, Texas and found this trail while on a road trip last fall.  It is so beautiful!! 2008-08-06 15:10 -0500

The answers depend on what you're interested in, transportation, duration, etc.   The short answer is to get Tim Ernst's book, the Ouachita Trail Guide.   There is no substitute for Tim's book if you want these kinds of details.    You can order it from Tim directly or possibly Barnes and Noble or Amazon.   He provides a very detailed description of every section of the OT, discussing potential sites for water, access points, etc.

The extreme western end of the OT has some shuttle services.    Otherwise, the transportation may be difficult unless you want to hike both ways.   You could write to Tim Ernst at Cloudland or to Charlie at Ouachitamaps to see if they have more up-to-date info about shuttle possibilities.

The OT is beautiful and any section is well worth hiking.   Fall is a beautiful time to hike it but beware of water issues in the fall.

There are also other backpacking opportunities in this area that may not require a car shuttle or pickup/drop off arrangements.    Eagle Rock Loop is beautiful and in the same area (about a 3 day trip).   There's a nice 1-2 night trip on the Buckeye Mountain Trail and Caney Creek Trails.   Black Fork Mountain Wilderness has some trail access...  and there are others.  Upper Kiamichi Wilderness has some round trip hikes.

If you're going to do really long distance, like starting at the west end and hiking to Little Rock, this would require about 3 weeks.   You might ask Tim or Charlie or contact the Pinnacle Mountain State Park folks to see if they have transportation ideas for getting back to the starting point.   Most people hike west-to-east as far as I'm aware.   You might also contact FoOT (see link at right).  Kris McMillen with FoOT is very knowledgeable about the OT.

If you find out new/better information, please let us know so we can update this site.   You could also send a 'report' about the experience, if you have the time and inclination, and I'll post it here.  Photos would be welcome.

Good hiking!!!!

-jc