Ouachita Trail (section 08) mile 160.4 to 168.8 (multiple hikes)

This is the first of 3 sub-sections of section 8.   Flatside Wilderness is in the center of the OT section 8...  so this section is from mile 160.4 (Hwy 7) to the first encounter of Flatside (FR 124).  It is 8.4 miles long and is mostly uphill from the Hwy 7 crossing.

The elevation at the crossing of Hwy 7 is just under 1000 feet and the FR124 road crossing is about 1600 feet.  There is quite a bit of "up and down" so the overall change in elevation over this whole 8 mile segment is probably close to 1000 feet (cumulative gain in elevation).

There are several notable features of this segment.  First is Sugar Creek Canyon at about mile 164.   During the previous half mile (heading east) the OT descended into a ravine, carved by Sugar Creek, and in this narrow side canyon the trail climbs out steeply.  During times of heavy rain, the little side canyon at mile 164 is incredible.  Its nice even when dry, but its also well worth hiking it right after several days of heavy rains.

Another notable feature is Little Bear Creek headwaters between miles 166 and 168.  If you stay on the OT you'll never see Little Bear Creek, but through this section you'll be hiking through the upper headwaters.   This is a nice place to start an off-trail hike during the winter, to explore Little Bear Creek.

Finally, in that same section at approximatley mile 167.4 there's Oak Mountain Shelter, which is in the vicinity of the highest point on White Oak Mountain (almost 1800 feet).   Expect the trail to be rocky in places.  Also, this is high-elevation trail with little water during the dry season.

There are some nice camping spots where the OT crosses Sugar Creek, around mile 163.9.  At the creek crossing, there is an old road (very obvious) going down the ravine.  You can use the old road to look for camping areas.  It's quite nice down in here, but don't underestimate the potential water levels in case of rain.  I've seen this place right after 3 days of heavy rain and there were flowing torrents everywhere.

Its probably a good idea to get water at Sugar Creek (if you're using a filter).  The next reliable water (heading east) is Green Thumb Spring at mile 170.6

As always, the definitive guide to the OT is the Ouachita Trail Guide by Tim Ernst.