Neville

I know that the Ouachita Trail isn't part of Texas, however now looks to be a good time of year to hit parts of that trail.

I went out with a few folks this past weekend and started from Talimena State Park in OK (the beginning of the trail) and hiked in a few miles. Water was plentiful and the temperatures were near perfect (60s during the day and 30s at night).

You have a pretty good climb at the beginning plus a load of rocks to hike over but then the trail smooths out. We encountered three other groups of hikers and we were able to grab a nice flat campsite along a well-flowing creek. A good weekend to get out!

Photos are here:
Overnight on the Ouachita Trail - OK - 041208 - 041308 pictures from hiking & backpacking photos on webshots

About a month earlier I headed east and spend a few days in Daingerfield, Atlanta and Tyler state parks. The trees were just starting to bloom and the trails were short but sweet. Too bad we don't have places like this closer to Dallas!

Photos are here:
Pineywoods of Northeast Texas - 031508 - 031608 pictures from texas photos on webshots

ploddinTod

Nice TR and pictures, Neville. Just wait until ya'll do the next section on the OT from Deadman's Gap to Horsethief Springs! Get ready for some serious rocks and boulders. But the payoff is a wonderful view from the top of a rock glacier which the trail crosses. It's one of the best views from the trail that I've seen.

BTW I really liked your stone chairs around the fire ring. It certainly added a homey touch.

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PloddinTod

srds

Great post,pics,thanks for sharing,loved waterfall.

srds :cool:
Have Fun

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To Camp or Not to Camp -Lets go Camping- Have Fun

Neville

Thanks. I've done the section between Winding Stair and Queen Wilhelmina State Park in AR. Hopefully I'll get back this fall to redo this section plus the Boardstead and Old Military Road trails.

Neville

Thanks. I just wish that amount of water was around most of the year.

ploddinTod

[QUOTE=Neville;10304]
we were able to grab a nice flat campsite along a well-flowing creek. A good weekend to get out!


I just went back and viewed your pics again. That's a very nice campsite where you cut wood and had a big fire ring. Do you mind if I ask you where exactly it is?
I've hiked this section but my buddy hasn't. And I'd like to take him out on this section and perhaps camp at this site.
Thanks.

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PloddinTod

Neville

Sure. The site is about three and a half miles in from the from the Talimena State Park trailhead. I want to say that it's just past the Potato Hill spur trail but definitely before the Panorama Vista spur trail (about five miles in). I know that's the case because our plan was to go to Panorama Vista but we didn't make it. If you go after some rain the creek will be flowing. Let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy!

ploddinTod

Thanks, Neville. So a hiker shouldn't have a problem spotting the site from the trail? My buddy loves a site with a fire ring, especially the first night out so we can roast hotdogs.

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PloddinTod

Neville

Yep, it shouldn't be a problem.

I dug through a few of my other photos of the trip and based on the time stamps it's about two hours (at our slow, meandering pace) from the intersection with the Indian Nations trail to the campsite. You'll be going through a big clearing with some nice views and then head down into the woods towards the creek. If the creek is flowing you'll be able to hear it from a ways back, but you won't see the camp just yet. Once you get to the creek you'll see the campsite just on the other side. If you follow the OT over the creek and around the site, it will be to your right and below the trail. If you go when the leaves are off the trees it will be easier to spot.

My thoughts are that you want to get there pretty early. When we went the trail was surprising busy. I'd say four or five hikers, not all in the same group, went past us after we set up camp and some looked a bit disappointed that we were there. I'm betting that site is pretty popular as it makes for an easy overnight.