Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7)

Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Fall foliage on the Ouachita Trail between FR 6014 and the Winding Stair Trailhead.

The 1.8-mile stretch of Section 1 of the Ouachita Trail from Forest Road 6014 (west end) to the Winding Stair Trailhead is an enjoyable walk. Along with the rest of Section 1, it is on Winding Stair Mountain (Ouachita National Forest, LeFlore County, Oklahoma) one of my favorite places to hike.

This stretch covers the last part of Section 1. The easiest way to reach it as a standalone hike is to start at the Winding Stair Trailhead. (Google Maps directions.) From there you would head west for a little under 2 miles. (Across the highway is the start of Section 2.)

The elevation change on this stretch is about 300 feet, so be prepared for a bit of climbing. It is all on the north side of the mountain. The trail in this part is usually in good condition and not difficult to follow.

Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
The rocky area in the vicinity of Mile Marker 22 is the coolest part of this stretch of the trail.

My full profile of the segment from the Horsethief Springs junction (mile point 19.9) to the Winding Stair Trailhead (mile point 23.7) is in this post.

The photos here and in that post are from my November 14, 2015 hike.

Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Near one of the rockier areas.
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Although still going along the north side of the mountain, much of the trail in this area east of FR 6014 crosses hillside that is less steep than the area a little further west.
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Mile Marker 23, Ouachita Trail
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Just west of the Winding Stair Trailhead.
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Direction sign at the Winding Stair Trailhead. Parking is just ahead.
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Uphill stretch just west of the Winding Stair Trailhead
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Ouachita Trail between FR 6014 and the Winding Stair Trailhead
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
There are some cool rocky areas on the uphill climbing part of this stretch (around Mile 22 and 23).
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
One of the highlights of this stretch is this rock ridge.
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Ouachita Trail between FR 6014 and the Winding Stair Trailhead
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
There was still a fair amount of fall foliage left on my mid-November hike.
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Ouachita Trail between FR 6014 and the Winding Stair Trailhead
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
This stretch is all on the north side of Winding Stair Mountain. The slope gives the trail a lot of character in this area.
Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7) photo
Between FR 6014 and the Winding Stair Trailhead

Photo Gallery

Click below for full-screen photo gallery of the photos above plus other ones I took that day.

Last revised: 3-9-2020.

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By Mike Newman

Mike Newman, editor and creator of Arklahoma Hiker, likes to day hike and walk outdoors in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

2 replies on “Ouachita Trail 01 Pics: FR 6014 to Winding Stair TH (21.7 to 23.7)”

Thanks, Mike. These are wonderful photos. It’s just now spring and I’m looking forward to fall. Lol

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