Ouachita NRT: Segment 1

Dogs Leashed

• Ouachita National Recreation Trail

This part of the ONRT is considered the most challenging of all segments. Why? There are a ton of rocks. Some as big as your fist, some small boulders. Make sure you have comfortable boots or trail shoes and focus on where your feet are stepping especially when carrying a 25-30 lb backpack. We started late in the evening at the Talimena State Park ONRT trailhead to get a feel for our load and camped at Mile Marker 1. There are two fire pits there and level ground to pitch tents.

The next 7 hours of hiking is over more rocks. I would say 80% of the trail is tricky due to rocks while ascending into some semi-steep and steep hills. If hiking during rainy season, you'll find water source but we stashed water at NF 6010 and Deadman's Gap which gave us plenty of them. The two, both accessible by road, are only 2 miles away.

Trekking poles are a must. It will help you balance and do the ascent with comfort. The segment is clean, very little trash in firepits, unless it is high season when people leave empty plastic gallons of water at the Deadman's Gap crossing. Please pick them up after.

The third day, we drove to Horsethief Springs and did two miles without a pack and noticed not much rocks. The first 6-10 hours, depending on your speed and if carrying a full backpack, will be the toughest. The Talimena State Park host Harold was very helpful. Listen to him!