Spending a weekend or vacation week in Lake Ouachita State Park hotels or cabins is a beautiful way to experience nature. Hiking through the woods, visiting the lake overlooks, and keeping an eye out for local wildlife will be fun for the entire family. The hiking trails around Lake Ouachita, in one of Arkansas's most renowned state parks, offer something for all ages and experience levels.
Dogwood Trail makes for a lovely stroll through the beautiful forest of Lake Ouachita State Park. An excellent trail for beginner hikers, it is half a mile of well-maintained and smooth terrain.
A four-mile trail for those looking for a bit of a challenge, Caddo Bend Trail is a sloping trail that winds around the peninsula of Lake Ouachita State Park. The variety of wildflowers popping up along the trail and views of the lake from above create stunning photo opportunities.
The trailhead can be found just outside the entrance to the park. This trail, following the creek, is a little more than half a mile long. Ideal for hikers of all skill levels, this trail comes alive in spring with picture-perfect wildflowers.
The centerpiece of Lake Ouachita State Park is, of course, the 40,000-acre lake and 975 miles of shoreline. Watersports, fishing, and the unique ecosystem of the park offer families amazing opportunities for adventure and exploration.
The open waters, as well as the many secluded coves, delight anglers with a wealth of species. Rent a boat and purchase bait at the park's marina and venture out to find bream, crappie, catfish, stripers, and largemouth bass.
As one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in the United States, Lake Ouachita attracts divers from all over. If you're interested in scuba diving with your family but one or more of you need certification, Scuba & Archery Center offers three-day weekend courses.
A park interpreter will take your family on a boat tour of the lake and describe the wildlife and plant life that make their homes in and near the lake. One advantage to staying in a Lake Ouachita State Park cabins is access to the nighttime Starlight Boat Tours.
