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Flatside Wilderness: An Untamed Arkansas Escape

Explore the untamed beauty of Arkansas in Flatside Wilderness: hiking, scenic views, and natural solitude in the Ouachita Mountains.

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Discover the rugged beauty of Flatside Wilderness, a 9,507-acre protected area in the Ouachita National Forest. Hike the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, explore rocky outcrops, and enjoy panoramic views from White Oak Mountain and Flatside Pinnacle.

A brief summary to Flatside Wilderness

Local tips

  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the wilderness.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for rugged terrain.
  • Download offline maps, as cell service is limited in the area.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the wilderness.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most common approach to Flatside Wilderness is by car. From Perryville, AR, head south on Arkansas Highway 9 for 13.6 miles. Turn right (west) onto Forest Service Road 132 and continue for 8.3 miles. Finally, turn right (north) onto Forest Road 94 and drive 3 miles to reach Flatside Pinnacle, where parking is available. Note that FSR 132 and 94 are gravel roads, and can be rough in sections. There are no fees for access or parking.

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Discover more about Flatside Wilderness

Flatside Wilderness, nestled in the eastern reaches of the Ouachita Mountains, offers a pristine escape into nature. This 9,507-acre wilderness, one of six in the Ouachita National Forest, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and scenic beauty. Designated in 1984 by the Arkansas Wilderness Act, it protects a rugged landscape of dense forests, rocky outcrops, and clear-running creeks. In 2019, the wilderness expanded by 640 acres, named the Bethune Woods segment. The wilderness is characterized by its diverse geological formations, including Pennsylvanian Jackfork Sandstone and Mississippian Stanley Shale. The more resistant Jackfork Sandstone forms high-relief ridges like White Oak Mountain, the highest point in the wilderness at 1,650 feet. Flatside Pinnacle, a 1,550-foot rock outcropping just outside the wilderness boundary, offers stunning sunset views. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail traverses the wilderness for 8.9 miles, providing access to the interior and diverse geological formations. Hike along the trail, and you'll be treated to panoramic views from the eastern and western sides, where the forest stretches out like an unbroken canopy of pines and hardwoods. Off-trail hikers can discover some of Arkansas's most remote areas. Visitors can access the area via Forest Service Road 132 from Arkansas Highway 9, with parking available near Flatside Pinnacle for trail access. The Winona Auto Tour also skirts the southern boundary, offering scenic views and additional access points. Keep in mind that there are no developed recreation facilities within the wilderness, and signage is limited. Mountain bikes, hang gliders, and motorized vehicles are prohibited to preserve the area's primitive character.

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