Exploring the Ouachita National Forest on the Old Military Road Trail

Come along for a beautiful walk through the Ouachita National Forest on a piece of history: the Old Military Road Trail. The original "Military Road" was built in 1832 and stretched through 130 miles of the Choctaw Nation for the purpose of carrying supplies and moving troops and emigrants through the region. Today it serves as part of the route of the Old Military Road Trail.
My hike in mid-September began at the parking area on Holson Valley Road. From the trailhead, the path winds nearly 7 miles through the Ouachita National Forest to the ridge of Winding Stair Mountain and the Talimena Scenic Drive. While there are no vistas or specific points of interest beyond the old road, the route offers a very satisfying walk through woods that are typical for the area and exceptional for Oklahoma.
If you want to extend the hike, you can make a loop by following the Ouachita Trail west once you reach the top of Winding Stair and following the Boardstand Trail back to where you began the Old Military Road Trail. Altogether, that route creates a 23ish mile trail I'll cover in a future video.

[@jodigreanead7315]

Thank you for showing us another great trail!

[@OklahomoHiker]

Thank you so much for watching! I’m glad you liked the trail. 😊

[@arlawilliams8266]

Thank you so much for sharing all you do. I hope to hike here is SE Oklahoma. I'm 73 and still healing but am so excited when I watch your videos .

[@OklahomoHiker]

Now that’s a message that makes me so happy to read. I’m so glad you enjoy coming along, and I hope your own recovery is speedy so that you can get back out and do some exploring of your own.

[@kathyls74]

You are so brave!! Night hiking in the Ouachita’s is terrifying! 😅

[@OklahomoHiker]

I generally feel the fright too, like Sasquatch is watching me from behind a tree. Lol! This time there were a ton of spiders but I was able to keep the jitters at bay. It was dark the last three miles of the hike. 🕷️🌘🥾

[@HikerTrashHusbands]

What a beautiful hike!

[@OklahomoHiker]

It really was so pretty for basically being a walk in the woods; and that pine smell!

[@jeremiahdavis7737]

I’m so glad I found your channel!!!! I am also an Oklahoma hiker and explorer who is all over the state for work. I would love to buy you dinner or lunch or coffee or drinks if we are ever in the same area at the same time!!!

[@OklahomoHiker]

That is awfully sweet of you! I’m so glad you enjoy the channel. I never turn down a good hike or coffee! Feel free to stay in touch. I have a Facebook page that might make that easier. In the meantime, happy trails!

[@ribkah11]

You are an inspiration!

[@OklahomoHiker]

You have the same curious, outdoorsy streak. I know that for a fact. 😊

[@acrprotect4476]

Good evening Sir!!! This was an awesome video!!! That’s one hell of a hike! Like another said, kudos on finishing after dark!!! Out of curiosity, how long did the hike take? Thanks for another great video and adventure! Take care!!

[@OklahomoHiker]

Hello there! Thank you so much for watching and for leaving a nice message. I wonder if one of these days I will see Bigfoot out there after dark. Lol! No sightings this time. I think it took about six hours to complete, counting a little break time on the top. Best wishes on your adventures! Take care!

[@arlawilliams8266]

Bigfoot is certainly there.