Ouachita Trail, Section 2, Winding Stairs to Queen Whilimena

Ok guys,

Mark Davis (ar.hiker) and i are planing a trip on the quachita trail, section 2, from either Winding Stairs to the state park lodge or from hwy 259 (OK) to the lodge. We aren't decided yet. It is 27.9 miles from Winding Stairs to the lodge and it is 21.1 from hwy 259 to the lodge. We don't plan on any more that three days and two nights. The dates will be aprox. from March 30th (Mon.) to April 3rd (Fri.) . This is a middle of the week trip. All will depend on the weather.

The trail will go thru the Kiamichi wilderness area. This river is quite large. We saw it during our winter break. There are I think eight river crossings so we dont' want to be caught down there during a heavy rain or after a big rain. The highest point on the OT at the AR/OK line (2660? could be wrong but that number sticks in my head).

If you are intrested let me know. When we get closer to time we will post the firm dates.

I would also like to state that this is the trail that I hiked sold back in 1979, back then it was 35 miles. I remember it to be very rugged and I am sure it still is!

OH

Sounds like fun, if its in the middle of the week and not on a Wednesday please let me know. I would love to do that.

Dwight,

I was thinking of you! Maybe we could do it on a thursday, fri. and Sat. don't know yet.

OH

I think I did this section when I was in scouts 15 years ago If it is the same section it is wonderful, and that Thursday-Saturday would be perfect. Like I said, sonds great. Thanks

Ok the date is now firmly set for the Section 2 OT trip, this is listed at 27.9 miles by Tim Ernst. Lots of stream crossings (Kiamichi river has 8 crossings,
Kiamichi river gauge Big Cedar OK )
Lots of bolder fields and in other words plenty of challenges. The date is set at March 30, 31, and April 1st. That is a Mon., Tue., Wed. I know that is bad for most of you but Mark (ar.hiker) is going up to the Buffalo National River for a week of trail building. This will give him plenty of time to rest up and repack his supplies for that trip.
Any way if you would like to be part of this either post here or PM me.

Thanks,
OH

That puts me out , but that's ok . I have a Tuesday morning class that I teach that I cannot reschedule. Sounds like fun, even though I am not a fan of boulder fields . Have fun guys.

Dwight,

I know and am sorry! Mark really needs to be out in time to head up to the Buffalo to build more trail. If the weather is such that we can't do this trip at the beginning of the week I might try to do the ERL at the end of the week. This time of the year any thing can go as far as the wx is concerned.

OH

No problem OH, I understand. Just let me know if yall do the ERL on the end of that week.

Dwight,

I sure will let you know. I sure want to get a good bping trip in over spring break! ERL is my bail out plan in case the first of the week falls thru. By the way I wont' be able to do the ERL in two days like TM! I am actually trying to train for this trip and have dropped some pounds and have been walking the miles but I can't quite go that fast!

OH

Hey I might be interested in doing the ERL again... ESP. if going to do it in 3 days or so. Keep me informed.

TM,

If I do it will be at least in three days or more! If I keep up the miles that I have been walking and going up these hills around here I could handle the Athens Big Fork better than last weekend.

I will keep you and all informed.

OH

If you do th ERL you planing on doing the whole loop or just section hike it? Cause I sure would not want to hit the Brush Mountain comig in from the South... its bad enough from the North. Just a thought... guess thats not Brush Heap from the South.. its the on that Eagle Rock is on from the South

TM,

When I go back in there I want to do the whole thing. I am undecided on what direction to take and am open to all suggestions.

OH

Well I can tell you... I would perfer counter clockwise. Knock thouse peaks out early. Pretty much easy sailing from then on. I mean there are a few climbs here an there. Guess the other notted one would be coming into Albert Pike. From the Winding Stairs up to the overlook there at Albert is a (#* ^(*#

Counter clockwise is what I had thought about also. I have heard about those climbs!

OH

I tracked Brush Heap Moutain on my Garmin 300 with a elevation profile. About 800ft in a mile and half. So you had better have your game on for that sucker

wow that is serious, I hope I can hit the ERT really soon. I'm glad to know that you were able to take it out in 2 days, even if it was rough. Thanks for letting me now about the mosquito's, it is good to know that they are already out

Well like I said.. from Albert Pike to the Upper Falls Trail Head is all a blur. Don't remember much about it. I would never try it again in 2 days.

I'm trying to plan a 2 day/one nighter on the weekend of April 10-11, 2010. I've looked at Black Fork but it may be too much up for B. I don't want to shuttle if I can help it, since it's just the two of us. Any thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks!

You could hike section 3 of the OT (16.5 miles). Finish at Hwy 71 and hitchhike back to the Queen. Make sure your backpacks are visible and motorists will pick you up.

If you want to finish up at the Hwy 71 Foran Gap TH I would be willing to shuttle you guys back to Queen if I can. That's only about twenty minutes from my house.

That's a very nice offer. That's hiking east to west, right? Do you know the mileage for that section (the lodge to Foran Gap TH)?
Thanks for your response.