Ouachita Trail (section 08) mile 179.2 to 187.4 (multiple hikes)

This is another interesting segment of the OT in section 8, running from FR94 (the parking area for Flatside Pinnacle) to FR152, for a total of 8 miles.

The nice features of this section include a) Flatside Pinnacle via a spur trail, b) Brown Creek Shelter, c) Brown Creek crossing, d) North Fork Pinnacle (via a spur trail) and Lake Sylvia (via a spur trail).   Looks like there's lots of spur trails in this segment!

Flatside Pinnacle is definitely worth the extra hike up to the top.  As shown in the photo, it is a rocky crag with cliffs that will induce vertigo (and nice views too).

Brown Creek Shelter is nice and the area is very flat... but there is no source of water at the shelter.  You'll have to stock up before reaching the shelter.   If you're heading east, this means either Crystal Prong Creek or the pond just before reaching FR94.  If you're heading west, water should be taken from Brown Creek at the crossing (183.1 mile on the OT).

There are some nice views in the section between Flatside Pinnacle and Brown Creek shelter.  They are off-trail, so you'll have to figure out where they are and look for them.  Northfork Pinnacle also has panoramic views from the top.

Overall, this section of the OT is well-maintained and has some nice features.  Between Flatside and FR152 there is substantial up, down, up and down... probably with a cumulative elevation gain of many 100's of feet.

Below are some listings of hikes in this area.