Ouachita Trail

“Hello folks, It has been a long time since I posted here on Trail Talk. I was wondering it any of you backpackers have been on the Ouachita Trail (OT). If so what sections did you hike and was was your trek like? Hello To DayHiker.....”

“I have hike a couple of sections about 6 years ago. I know prosecutor has been on the trail since I have. If you keep this floated, Arky should be able to chime in with some specific information.

I think Owl, stratdewd, mozark and a couple of others can give some information also.”

“Thanks chili, I hope you have been doing well. I had talked with you a couple of yrs ago,When we were doing the Caprock Trail here in Texas. Thats when I meet the Prosecutor. I think thats when you were getting your blackbelt certification.”

“Chili, what sections did you do? What time of the year were you on the trail?”

“Mtutton,
I did section two in Feb of this year.
Check out my photo albums for the folder of the trip. Section two is the most strenuous of the sections, about 28 miles of rocks and hills but very enjoyable. Snow, rain, sunshine, but well worth the journey.
Check out Tim Ernst's book "Ouachita Trail Guide". It has maps, miles, and is pretty accurate. I'm returning in Feb. '07 for another section or two (three day).”

“I did the two sections down closest to Dardenelle. In October.

I still need to get out to Cap Rock.”

“i've only really spent time in SE oklahoma....”

“Chappy have you ever been through sec 1? I'm doing Talimena to Queen Wilhelmina. I have Tims book and it's very informative. I start my hike Jan03.”

“mtutton, haven't done section 1 but will probably do 3 or higher next Feb....we'll see. You should have a great hike there. Man, wish I was with ya on that one.......I wouldn't mind doing 2 all over again.
Did you looky at my pics??”

“I hiked the west 60 miles four years ago. Very nice trail. Ernst's guidebook is very helpful. In dry times, all the river crossings were rock hops, but then some of the places where you can get water were not available. Make sure you stop and eat at Queen Wilhelmina as it is right on the trail. If you know your arrival date, spend the night there and get a shower. Since it is a linear trail, the logistical problem is transportation back to your car.”

“Call the "Country Store" at the foot of Rich Mountain road up to QW Park. Steve, the owner should know a man named Jim Fite (and his phone number), who lives near by and does shuttles for around 25 bucks (we gave him 40 because he is a nice guy).”

“I hiked every section of the OT several years ago. I thougtht the two most unique were sections one and two. I particularly liked section two as it goes through the Upper Kiamichi Wilderness. The rocks and geology on those sections is unlike most other trails in the state.”

“two is also the most grueling.....at least for us +50 guys with +50 packs....lol”

“Hi Prosecutor, How have you been. I was just looking at our Caprock pictures the other day. I tell the store of the rattle snake wanting you to cook him a taquito or two. I hope you have a Happy New Year!!!!”

“Chappy, the pictures were great,and the trip discription was good also. I can't wait to get there. I'm keeping a journial on Trail Journals. I'll have to update after I return.I'll try to take a lot of pictures. Well got to run to REI and grocery shop today........”

“Nice to hear frm you again mtutton. The rattlesnake want to take a bite out of me, not the taquitos I was cooking.

The Ouachita trail is one of the few spots where a crazed maniac stalked and killed two campers. Don't camp too near a trailhead if you can avoid it.”

“they caught him though....

his girlfriend turned him in

she actually posted on here a few times back when all that happened”

“oh yeah, that's where the most reported bigfoot sightings come from in the entire nation......
that's a fact..

rangers down there encourage hikers to carry some sort of personal protection, if you are so inclined.....”

“Well, I guess I better sharpen by Lil O Swiss army knive in case I encounter, Jason,Leatherface,Bigfoot or any ET'S while I'm out there. Do you think they would let me get a picture or two of em?
The rattle snake possed real nicely for the Prosecutor and I just before I drove my trekking pole threw it's head...”

“Thanks for all of the input guys. I leave for my section hike Wednesday morning at 0300. I have a journal started on trailjournals.com.I'll have to post the trip info when I return on Jan08. I plan on taking a lot of photos and keep a GPS log for this section of the trail. I'll start at Talimena and end at Queen Wilhelmina.I'll try my best to get a shot or two of Bigfoot for you guys. "Happy Trails to You"”

“Can't wait to read/see what you found....”

“Hey Chappy you live in Texas?”

“Hey Chappy if you live in Texas there is a couple guys that I hiked the CapRock Trail in West Texas with. They are Big Rob and Chucky D. I belive they both live near the Houston area. You can do a search for caprock and or there names here on TT. I highly recommend both of them for hiking partners...”

“Thanks mtutton, since I'm north of Houston, and my hiking club Lone Star Hiking Trail Club has mostly Houston members, they should be easy to locate.....
Be safe, God speed...............”

“Good luck. I look forward to the trip report.”