Ouachita National Recreation Trail - 2021 (Apr.)
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In 2019, we started hiking the Ouachita National Recreation Trail from its western terminus. During that hike in October, we completed Section 1 and finished in the middle of Section 2. We exited at the Big Cedar Trailhead off of US259.
On this trip, we planned to start from the previous exit at Big Cedar Trailhead and continue 37.5 miles, completing Sections 2 and 3, and finishing at the Foran Gap Trailhead off of US270. We arrived at the Big Cedar Trailhead a little after 3pm, and with a light rain headed east to our evening objective - the Pashubbe Shelter. Almost immediately after the start, we became confused with a set of blue taped trees. Mistaking these for the blue blazes, we continued a strange route through the initial forest. After intersecting the dirt road south of the trail, we used the GPS to reacquire the true trail, and continued the rest of the trip without incident. At 6pm, we reached the shelter. It was a great relief to have a dry shelter to settle in, make dinner, and retire for the evening.
A little drizzle continued the next morning. The Kiamichi River would be the major feature of the day. Initially, the terrain ascends and then descends to the river. Afterward, the terrain ascends following the river, and then drops again. As a result, the first elevation gain had a lot of rock to step around and through. However, the Kiamichi River would be a more interesting obstacle. In September 2019, the river was very dry. Now in Spring, it was very full. Water would not be a problem for drinking, but would be a barrier to travel. We had 8 stream crossings. Two of those were deep enough where we elected to use sandals, and reflected afterward we should have done it three times. Since there were not significant problems other than a wet boot, a funny memory. After finishing with the river, we ascended a smaller feature and then dropped down again. However, to get to Stateline Shelter, we would need to ascend onto the long ridge that would later include Queen Wilhelmina Lodge. Once alongside the scenic drive, it was an easy lateral hike to the shelter.
The third day started with a beautiful morning. With the earlier cloud cover and fog gone, it was a pleasurable, sunny, and easy morning. There was very little elevation change for the first 7 miles, and we made great time. We arrived at the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge around Noon. The afternoon hiking was a little more difficult. We straddled some rock filled ridge lines, and had multiple ascents and descents. Trying to have a shorter last day, we passed our intended destination Black Fork Mountain Shelter, and continued for another hour and a half. Around mile 61.5, we found an open flat spot prior to another mountain ascent. Seemed like a good place to call it a day. It was nice to have a few remaining sun filled hours to enjoy. Having done another 15+ miles, it wasn't too difficult to call it a night though.
Although we planned 2-3 hours for our final 8 miles out, the mostly descending terrain were a great help. This last section between mile markers 62-66 were very pretty. High elevation, a narrow ridge, and beautiful views made it an exciting section. We reached the trailhead in less than three hours. Then, we reached our first vehicle at 10am.