The Ouachitas are calling and I must go!
If the Ouachita Mountain range is calling you, the beautiful Kiamichi Valley offers a variety of hikes with a range of difficulty levels. Whether you’re looking for a pleasant shady stroll or a gnarly through hike, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Kiamichi Valley.
Easy & Family-Friendly Hiking in Kiamichi Valley
Enjoy the serenity of Clayton Lake State Park by taking a .07-mile stroll around on the paved walking trails. The calm, scenic lake is located about 5 miles southeast of Clayton on HWY 271 and is a perfect choice for those seeking a more accessible outdoor experience.
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The Eagle Trail connects the two campgrounds at Potato Hills at Sardis lake. This is an easy, shady 1.1 mile out and back trail that is family friendly. The Eagle trail has several educational signs about the area and stunning lake views. This trail is a must do if you’re traveling with kids or if you’re interested in the geography of Kiamichi Valley.
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Moderate Hiking Trails at Sardis Lake
Sardis lake offers a range of easy to moderate trails. For an easy 3.9-mile loop, come try the Yellow and White Loop trail. The path is hilly but without too much change in elevation. This trail follows the Red Trail from the trail head along HWY 2 and turns west toward the lake via the Yellow Trail. If you’re looking for a more moderate hike, take the 4.6 mile Blue loop. Start by following the Red Trail along HWY 2 North until it splits and the Blue trail heads west and loops back to the trailhead.
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Challenging Hikes in the Ouachita Mountains
The Ouachita Trail is a truly rugged experience to add to your through-hike bucket list. Starting in Talimena State Park, the OT spans 192 miles and ends south of Perryville, AR, with an optional additional 32 miles of trail ending in Pinnacle Mountains State Park, 15 miles west of Little Rock. This hike usually takes about 2-3 weeks to complete and reaches an elevation of 2600 feet. You will pass clear streams to provide water and also have the option to cache water prior to completing your hike. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/recreation/trails/ouachita-national-recreation-trail
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Talimena State Park also offers several hard rated hikes that can be completed in a day or two for more daring hikers that want a shorter adventure. The Ouachita Bohannon Trail is a hard rated trail with almost 3000 feet of elevation gain. The 16.8 mile out-and-back trail takes about 8 hours to complete. This hike is rocky and steep and recommended for experienced hikers. There is not a good water source on this trail so plan accordingly, but this trail shows off some of the stunning views that Kiamichi Valley has to offer. You’ll find several dispersed camping sites along this trail.https://maps.apple/p/WxoPJdVRenCebb
Talimena State Park also trailheads an 8.1 mile out-and-back trail to Hell’s Hollow. This is a more popular trail that takes about 3 ½ hours to complete. The trail is a bit rocky and has two stream crossings. The trailhead is shared with the Ouachita Bohannon Trail and is just west of Talihina on US-271.https://maps.apple/p/WxoPJdVRenCebb
Hiking in Kiamichi Valley for Every Skill Level
If the Ouachitas weren’t calling you before, maybe they are now. Come enjoy our placid lakes, our lush forests, and our mountain views. No matter your hiking aspirations or skill level, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Kiamichi Valley nature trails.
