Want to get away for a short backpacking trip to the mountains?  The Ouachita trail is a beautiful mountain hike that begins in Eastern Oklahoma about 3 ¾ hours from Dallas.  The Dallas Sierra Club is hosting a trip starting from the Winding Stair trailhead.  Whether you are looking for your first overnight backpacking experience, want to test out your latest gear or just enjoy a weekend in the woods, this is the hike for you. We are happy to help you prepare for the trip!

We will meet Friday, October 31st at the Winding Stair trailhead east of Talihina, OK.  We will spend the night at the backpackers’ camp at the trailhead enjoying Halloween night.  The evening can be used to checkout equipment and prepare for the hike or just enjoy the time together.  Alternatively, you can arrive at the trailhead by 9:00 AM on Saturday.   On Saturday the hike will be 4.5 miles long and we will make camp at Red Springs.  In this section the trail is well maintained and amongst trees.  There will be two climbs of 700 feet and 500 feet, so the hike is rated moderate.  Saturday, we will spend a lovely evening of camaraderie and stories (some true).  On Sunday we will hike to the Big Cedar trailhead (2.5 miles “all” downhill – really).  A car will be available to shuttle drivers back to the Winding Stair trailhead.  You can then return to home (or to your next destination).

Trip details and the registration forms are available here  For more information contact Jim Robarge (robargeDSC@gmail.com)