Ouachita National Recreation Trail - 2019 (Oct.)
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After picking up my hiking partner at Big Cedar Trailhead at Mile 30.5 on Friday evening, we proceeded to leave water caches along the two intersections of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail and Talimena Scenic Drive. Once completed, we parked our car at Talimena State Park, and camped for the night at Mile 0. The overnight temperature dropped lower than I had anticipated, and my light sleeping bag was challenged with 34' temperature sleeping out in the open.
Since Saturday would be our first day out, and the most impressive views occurred on the first section, we planned on smaller mileage and more stops the first day. The trail was very nice, with southern pine and openness in the forest canopy. We stopped at Potato Hills Vista (Mile 2.4) and later Panorama Vista (Mile 5.0), the latter being a very worthwhile and impressive scenic view. The trail descended afterward, resulting in a denser forest canopy and much more significant rock fields to navigate. However, at 3:30pm we arrived at the aptly named Rock Garden Shelter (Mile 9.8). We thought we would have the brilliant shelter to ourselves, but slightly after dusk two older gentlemen from the Detroit area stopped for the night. They were a very jocular pair, and added some humor to the campfire conversation. The overnight low was predicted to be 38', but sleeping in the shelter and taking additional warmth precautions, I ended up being too warm. Very rarely happens, so I enjoyed it.
Because Sunday was our big mileage day, we got an early start. Although there was a welcome creek to refill our water, most of the morning involved navigating the dense rock fields and thick forest canopy. At Noon, we were able to ascend to a more favorable elevation near Holson Valley Shelter. From this point, the trail was extremely enjoyable. We were traversing the ridge at a higher elevation, taking in the Fall foliagle, and seeing the Sun through the sparse tree cover. No further water occurred, so we were glad to have an upcoming water cache. At 4pm, we reached the Winding Stairs Trailhead (Mile 23.7). Unfortunately, some local residents occupied the hikers campgroud for a wedding, so we setup in the actual campground. Our campsite was very close to the scenic overlook, which was nice to enjoy after an all day hike. Although we had water, I don't think we drank enough of it on the trail as we should have. Again near dusk, the same two gentlemen from Detroit arrived. They were also dissuaded by the wedding party. We shared the campsite, a roaring fire, and some great conversation. Stick bugs were everywhere, and kept jumping onto our clothing and into my face as I slept.
Usually, on the last day of a hike we are often more anxious for the "real" breakfast in a restaurant than eating a packet of oatmeal. Therefore, we usually forgo the temporary meal for a full one in town. On the last day of this trip, that was a mistake. We had about six miles to get back to the car, and then another 30 minutes drive to my car. Lack of calories became a problem. Although it was a three hour hike, I was anxious to get to the end. With an enjoyable water challenge at the end, it was a great finish to the trip.