Ouachita National Forest – Image Gallery

Ouachita National Forest

Details

Ouachita National Forest

The Ouachita National Forest is located in western Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, covering over 1.8 million acres of land. It is a diverse and scenic area that includes mountains, rivers, streams, and forests.

Features:

• Mountains: The Ouachita Mountains run through the forest, offering hiking, camping, and scenic views.
• Rivers and Streams: The forest is home to numerous rivers and streams, including the Ouachita River and the Caddo River, which provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
• Forests: The forest is made up of a variety of tree species, including pine, oak, and hickory, providing habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
• Trails: The forest has over 700 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
• Campgrounds: There are numerous campgrounds throughout the forest, offering opportunities for both tent and RV camping.

Ecological Significance:

The Ouachita National Forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered. The forest provides important habitat for species such as the black bear, the red-cockaded woodpecker, and the Ozark big-eared bat.

The forest also plays a key role in protecting water quality in the region, as the rivers and streams that flow through the forest provide clean drinking water for nearby communities.

Overall, the Ouachita National Forest is an important natural area that provides recreational opportunities for visitors while also supporting a diverse and healthy ecosystem.

Ouachita National Forest

Points of Interest

Ouachita National Forest

The Ouachita National Forest covers over 1.8 million acres in Arkansas and Oklahoma, making it the largest national forest in the southern United States. Here are some of the most popular points of interest within the forest:

• Hot Springs National Park: Located within the Ouachita National Forest, Hot Springs National Park is known for its natural hot springs, historic bathhouses, and beautiful hiking trails.
• Talimena Scenic Byway: This 54-mile scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Ouachita Mountains and is especially popular during the fall when the leaves change colors.
• Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area: This area offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Ouachita National Recreation Trail: Stretching over 200 miles, this trail is popular among hikers and backpackers looking to explore the diverse landscapes of the Ouachita Mountains.
• Queen Wilhelmina State Park: This state park offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as lodging, dining, and outdoor recreational activities.
• Little Missouri Falls: This picturesque waterfall is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and photography, surrounded by the beauty of the Ouachita National Forest.

Ouachita National Forest – Images

Description: Ouachita National Forest from US Forest Service Report Cover. This image was copied from wikipedia:en. Transwiki approved by: w:en:User:Dmcdevit

Image by U.S. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Brier Creek where it is crossed by the Little Missouri Trail at its confluence with the Little Missouri River in Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas

Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Lake in Ouachita National Forest

Image by Oemar – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Lake in Ouachita National Forest

Image by Oemar – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas on 10 April 2015.

Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Undergrowth during the fall in the Ouachita National Forest.

Image by Tammo2011 – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: The Little Missouri River and the Ouachita Mountains in Ouachita National Forest from the Little Missouri Trail above the Albert Pike Recreation Area in Arkansas

Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: A road through Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas.

Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: A stream near the Winding Stairs trailhead along the Little Missouri Trail in Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas

Image by Fredlyfish4 – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia