Hiking an Abandoned Trail System in Oklahoma - Beech Creek National Scenic Area, Turkey Snout Trail

Come along for my exploration of the long abandoned Beech Creek National Scenic and Botanical Area along Highway 63 just west of the Arkansas state line in southeast Oklahoma. The trail system hasn't been maintained in around 20 years, as far as I can tell. According to what I have read (on OuachitaMaps.com), the parking lot became a popular dump site and the park service had to step in to clean it up. After the cleanup a berm was put into the road that led back into the parking area to prevent it from happening again. Since then, the bridges have washed away and the area has been largely reclaimed by the forest.
I had always seen the sign on Hwy 63 on my way into Arkansas and was always curious about it. When I saw maps of the old trail system available for purchase, along with downloadable GPS coordinates, on the OuachitaMaps website I decided to check it out.
The trail's path is mostly grown over at this point and the blazes are only occasionally still visible. Still, with the coordinates downloaded and the route mapped and saved on my Garmin, I was able to navigate the "trail" successfully.
Take note: you should have excellent route finding skills, the appropriate maps/Garmin/saved coordinates, and a tolerance for pain to attempt this trail. I do not recommend it for anyone but the most seasoned and skilled hikers.
Coordinates and Map: ouachitamaps.com/Beech%20Creek...

[@kathyls74]

Pretty little walk in the woods!

[@OklahomoHiker]

Absolutely! It really won me over. 😊

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice hike. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@OklahomoHiker]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I’m glad you liked it! 😊

[@HammerLane2Hiking]

Beautiful area!❤

[@OklahomoHiker]

Right?! I can’t wait to get back there. There are several routes I want to explore. Catching it at leaf change was definitely a bonus!

[@ribkah11]

Y’all are brave!!

[@OklahomoHiker]

Well, some practice, some maps, some apps, a GPS device, and a compass help with that. 😅

[@teresacorrigan3076]

How did you see the copperhead? Yikes. I would have been leaving. 😳🇨🇦. Great hike. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@OklahomoHiker]

We got a little too close to it and it moved off into that thicket (thankfully). We only saw it because it moved.

[@OklahomoHiker]

And thank you for watching!

[@babyymclovinn2301]

Can you name off some good hiking spots in oklahoma to bring your kids? We're going to the forty foot hole tomorrow that you recommend, beyond excited and looking for other places to take the kids exploring as well.

[@teresacorrigan3076]

What were the things that gave off powder when hit?

[@OklahomoHiker]

Some sort of puffball mushroom, I think.