Ouachita Trail - Section 1 - COMPLETED 23.7 - Talimena State Park to Winding Stairs Campground - January 2020
OUACHITA TRAIL - SECTION 1 - TALIMENA STATE PARK TO WINDING STAIRS CAMPGROUND 23.7 MILES
My first time on the Ouachita Trail was October 2020 on a hodgepodge slackpacking trip with friends. It was a blast and and we decided we wanted to try and section hike the entire 223 miles.
My goal is to finish the 223 miles by the end of 2021. We got a good start by completing Section 1. We started with a good plan, but tweaked the plan based on certain challenges we encountered. Day 1 was an awesome hiking day! On Day 2, we planned to hike from Deadman’s Gap MM 8 to Horsethief Springs MM 19.9. I had heard about the rocks on this section and know now how Rock Garden Shelter earned its name. It didn’t take long to realize the rocks were in full bloom in the garden!!!! I kept saying “Wowzer, Wow, Wow” instead of some other choice words that came to mind while maneuvering through the rocks. My friends didn’t struggle with the rocks like me. By the time we reached Holsom Valley Vista Shelter MM 16.8, I was done. Based on my OT guide, Guthook app and map there wasn’t a spur or TH until Horsethief Springs. I knew I was going to have to make the last 3 miles to Horsethief Springs to the car. I started the self talk which turned into praying and knew I had to get my second wind. We started down the trail and my feet honestly felt like cinder blocks! Just a few steps past the shelter we saw the sign that indicated .10 mile spur to Talimena Drive - a way off the trail for day. Hallelujah! I am sure the Friends of the Ouachita Trail (FoOT) volunteers are responsible for this spur and it was an answer to prayer. Not kidding you, I almost cried when I saw it. All of a sudden, I had pep in my step heading up the spur. When we reached the top of the spur to Talimena Drive, I looked at the map app and we still had 2 hour hike on highway to the car. WHAT! I had a back up plan and called a shuttle and she picked us pretty quick. She was so friendly and was happy to earn some BINGO money. We were ready to kick back and relax for the evening. My cell service provider is ATT and there are parts of the OT trail I have NO service. I have a Garmin Inreach and I won’t hike the OT without it. This is the first time my legs have bonked while hiking. The next day, my legs were fine. Biggest take away from Day 2 , I am not a fan of hiking on rocks. One of my friends amazes me that she can hike on rocky terrain without trekking poles. My two hiking buddies rocked the rocks!
The next morning, we started at Holsom Valley Vista Shelter and hiked to Winding Stairs Campground and finished Section 1. I earned the trail name, Steady Betty, for this 3 day hike. I gave one friend the name, Rocky, master of the rocks and another friend, Hollywood, because she gave us the low down on the best shows to binge watch and the latest info about new movies.
At the end of each day’s hike, we tend to notice the calories we burned rather than miles we finished for the day. Slackpacking perks - hot shower, good food and a nice warm bed at the end of each day. We were hungry girls and enjoyed Hamburgers, curly fries, salad, nachos, hamburger steak at T J Mountain Store for both evening meals.
Celebration lunch on the way home Chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken and salad and pie at the Southern Belle in Heavener.
We always have the best time. Let’s trek!
Ouachita Trail Guide by Tim Ernst excerpt.
Day 1 rocks - not so bad.
I earned the trail name Steady Betty, however, Snail 
would have defined me better since I found two empty snail shells and moved as slow as a snail while hiking through the rocks.
would have defined me better since I found two empty snail shells and moved as slow as a snail while hiking through the rocks.
When I saw this OT sign close to the Holsom Valley Vista Shelter, I was pooped! It reminded me of the song The Elements by Toby Mac. I decided I may have to play the song over and over for the next 3 miles. Seriously!
Come on Bernie!
Are we were going to climb that hill back to the car? Yes. But there won’t be rocks.
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