Ouachita National Forest

The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest national forest found in the South, and is made up of more than 1.6 million acres. The area is rich in history as the rugged Ouachita Mountains were first explored in 1541 by Hernando De Soto's party of Spaniards. Today the area is a popular place for residents of Hot Springs and Arkansas alike.

The forest stretches from the center of Arkansas to the southeast region of Oklahoma. The Ouachita Mountains are filled with a multitude of recreational opportunities. Sightseeing and bird watching are among the popular ways to view the changing landscapes throughout the year and take in some of the animals that reside in this location. Visitors can travel the Talimena Scenic Byway or Highway 7 National Scenic Byway for great photo opportunities at the beautiful vista.

There are a lot of hiking trails, biking trails, and horse backing trails that can be enjoyed by visitors of the forest. Canoeing is also a popular sport in this area and the scenic Caddo River provides great opportunities for sightseeing along the way. Boating, swimming, fishing, and camping can also be done along the many streams found in this area. Some of the best turkey hunting can also be found here.