Ouachita Trail (section 07) miles 138.8 to 160.4

Section 7 of the Ouachita Trail - mile 138.8 to 160.4. 

This section is 21.6 miles, from hwy 298 to hwy 7, traversing on or near the broad ridges of east-west running mountains.  There are 3 shelters.  During the winter there are multiple views and even a few in summer.  Section 7 includes the following features:

• follows the Ouachita River for a short distance
• climbs Blue Ouachita Mountain
  
• small waterfalls
• several vista points
• three shelters
• joins Hunt's loop trail near hwy 7
  

There are several access points for day hikes in this section but not as many as in section 8.  The OT is easily accessed from the hwy 7 trailhead and from hwy 298.  There is car access from dirt/gravel forest roads at Blakely Creek (~ mile 157) and supposedly at Blue Ouachita Mountain summit.  

Beware of forest (dirt) roads that are still marked on maps but not actually open anymore. As always, the definitive guide to the OT is the Ouachita Trail Guide by Tim Ernst.