When it comes to underrated natural destinations, Arkansas has got to be high on the list. This Southern state is much more than farm towns and cotton fields, boasting ancient stone mountains, emerald rivers, deep forests, and rugged gems such as this under-the-radar state park. It’s called “The Natural State” for a reason, and one of the treasures that really makes it earn this title is Lake Ouachita.
Created between 1946 and 1954 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control and hydroelectric project, Lake Ouachita (pronounced “wash-ah-taw”) is spread out over 40,000 acres with over 975 miles of shoreline. This massive aquatic body boasts pristine waters along with more than 200 islands. It’s also surrounded by the 1.8-million-acre Ouachita National Forest, one of the region’s largest and most unspoiled nature reserves.
With so much natural bliss on hand, it should come as no surprise that Lake Ouachita draws up to four million visitors a year. The good news is that both the lake and its wild surroundings are big enough to where it’s possible to find solitude even during the busiest times of the year.
Set up camp and hit the water on Lake Ouachita
Trek through an expansive, verdant forest
The Ouachita National Forest, which surrounds the lake, offers opportunities to soak up some of the most untouched woodlands in the Southern U.S. A mixture of over 60 species of conifer and deciduous trees, the forest is a hiker’s wonderland, with a network of trails allowing for maximum exploration.
The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (also known as LOVit) may be the most popular path. This 40-mile up and down route runs along the southern edge of the lake and offers glimpses of wildflowers and historical sites, as well as arresting views of the lake and expansive woodlands. It’s a moderately challenging path that can be done in sections, as the Army Corps of Engineer campgrounds offer places to stay along the way.
To get to Ouachita Lake, fly into Little Rock’s Clinton International Airport. From there, it’s just a bit over an hour and a half to get to the lake by car. For more out-of-the-ordinary freshwater experiences in the region, check out this unique Tennessee lake.
