Ouachita National Forest
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 20 at 11:51PM CDT until July 21 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Little Rock AR
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 115. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, southeast, southwest, and western Arkansas. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 20 at 11:51PM CDT until July 21 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Little Rock AR
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 115. * WHERE...Portions of central, eastern, north central, southeast, and western Arkansas. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 20 at 10:52PM CDT until July 21 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Tulsa OK
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values from 110 to 115 expected. * WHERE...Portions of west central Arkansas and east central, northeast, and southeast Oklahoma. * WHEN...From noon to 8 PM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Overview
The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest and largest national forest in the South, covering 1.8 million acres across central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. The forest is currently open and operating normally with excellent year-round recreation opportunities including 700 miles of trails, camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and OHV activities. Current alerts include: Peeler Gap Shooting Range closed through end of 2025 for roof repairs; Tompkins Bend Trailhead (Lake Ouachita Vista Trail) temporarily closed for USACE construction; Cedar Lake bathhouses closed for plumbing repairs (use Shady Lane/Sandy Beach facilities); Wildcat Trail southern loop closed due to tornado damage (northern loop open); FSR 776A (Yell County) partially closed near bridge; FSR T27B (Oklahoma) closed for culvert repair; FSR 19 (Scott County) closed since 2022 for landslide. The forest conducts regular prescribed burns to maintain ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. Bear awareness is emphasized. Fire restrictions vary by county—check Arkansas and Oklahoma county burn ban maps before visiting.
Campgrounds
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