Ouachita National Forest — Attraction in Waldron

If you're looking for a truly breathtaking and unique outdoor experience, look no further than Ouachita National Forest. Located in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, this forest is a nature-lover's paradise with its towering trees, rolling hills, and stunning vistas.

But what sets this forest apart is the opportunity to explore it on horseback. There's no better way to take in the beauty and majesty of this area than on the back of a trusty steed. With more than 250 miles of horse trails, Ouachita National Forest offers a wide variety of scenic routes that are perfect for riders of all skill levels.

Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a beginner, there's something for everyone on these trails. You'll ride through lush forests, past sparkling streams and crystal-clear lakes, and along rugged ridgelines that offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. And with so many different trails to choose from, you can explore the forest at your own pace and on your own schedule.

But the beauty of Ouachita National Forest isn't limited to just its trails. There are also plenty of opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and more. And no matter what activity you choose, you'll be surrounded by the natural beauty of this amazing forest.

In summary, if you're looking for a truly unforgettable outdoor experience, Ouachita National Forest is the perfect destination. With its stunning beauty, diverse trails, and unique opportunities for horseback riding, it's no wonder why so many people give this forest a five-star rating. So pack your bags, saddle up your horse, and get ready for an adventure that you'll...

It started as a peaceful hike in the Ouachita National Forest—just me, a granola bar, and the misguided confidence of a man who watched one survival documentary on YouTube.

The trees were tall and whispery, the trails winding like a toddler drew them. Then I saw it—a sign nailed to a tree: “Beware of Big Carl.” I chuckled. “Probably some old forest ranger with a beard and a chip on his shoulder,” I thought. Oh, how wrong I was.

Half a mile later, I met Big Carl.

He was a snake. Not a normal snake. A thick-as-a-log, 20-foot-long, backcountry-hiking, ego-crushing python with a grudge against hikers and a taste for Cliff Bars.

He slid out from behind a rock like it owed him money, looked me dead in the eye, and—I swear on my Merrells—raised his head like he was sizing me up for a sleeping bag.

I screamed. Not a tough scream. A high-pitched, falsetto, Mariah-Carey-in-the-90s scream.

Big Carl blinked, snatched my granola bar, and slithered off with the smugness of a snake who’s ruined many a day.

I stumbled back to the parking lot, sweaty, snackless, and forever humbled by a reptile with attitude.

So yeah. Ouachita’s beautiful. Just… bring extra snacks. And maybe don’t read snake warning...

This was my first time visiting Arkansas wilderness and I have to admit I'm really impressed. We did dispersed camping for a couple days up the Caney Creek Wilderness area and enjoyed it thoroughly. I hiked up to the fire watch tower with some friends and we were amazed at the view we found. The forest is pretty dense so unless you find a spot that has already been camped in, it'll be a little hard to find a place to set up unless you make a clearing which we didn't want to do in order to preserve some of the habitat. The dam is a sight to see as well, with gorgeous limestone formations and huge drops covered in lush, green foliage. We had no problems with bears but did encounter a rattlesnake on the trail and unfortunately a copperhead in the middle of a nighttime tinkle trip near our tent 😬 Take great care and pack lots of water for a hike, some trails can be challenging due to the rapid change in elevation. Highly recommend this spot if you're into primitive camping. Plus I suggest you pack EVERYTHING you need because even neighboring towns have practically no gas stations, grocery stores or food nearby. We drove an hour to get to an open...