Things to Do in Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area

Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is a protected area within the Ouachita National Forest in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. It spans over 26,000 acres, featuring the Winding Stair Mountains with elevations up to 2,400 feet. The area is known for its diverse landscapes and extensive forests.

The Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area offers various outdoor activities. Hiking is a primary activity, with routes available on komoot. Other activities in the area include camping, fishing, hunting, and hang-gliding.

Yes, the recreation area provides a variety of hiking experiences suitable for different skill levels. The extensive trail system, including sections of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, offers options from easier walks to more challenging routes.

A significant portion of the 45-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs through the area. The Mountain Top Loop Trail starts from Winding Stair Campground and connects to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Other trails include Horsethief and Billy Creek Trails.

The recreation area offers trails that can accommodate families. The variety of hiking experiences available means that some routes are less strenuous and suitable for those hiking with children, though specific family-friendly routes are not detailed.

The area features the Winding Stair Mountains, with elevations reaching 2,400 feet. Visitors can find panoramic mountain-top and valley views from Emerald Vista, located near the Winding Stair Campground. An 85-acre lake is also present within the recreation area.

The Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is bisected by State Highway 1, also known as the Talimena Scenic Byway. This scenic road provides direct access to various points within the recreation area.

Yes, a komoot guide titled Hiking in Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is available. This guide provides detailed information for exploring the trails in the region.

Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area has 7 routes listed on komoot, primarily for hiking. The area has been visited by more than 10 komoot users.

Official information for the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area, which is part of the Ouachita National Forest, can be found on the USDA Forest Service website. The Oklahoma Ranger District (South) can be contacted at +1-580-494-6402 for inquiries.

The terrain in Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is rugged and mountainous, with elevations reaching up to 2,400 feet. It features diverse landscapes including extensive forests of shortleaf pine, southern red oak, white oak, and flowering dogwood.