Flatside Wilderness, US Wilderness Area in Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas
Flatside Wilderness is a protected area in the Ouachita National Forest spanning about 9,500 acres of dense forests, rocky outcrops, and multiple mountain peaks rising to roughly 1,800 feet. Small streams run through the terrain, creating a diverse landscape for hikers.
The area received official protection status in 1984 through federal legislation designating wilderness lands in Arkansas. An additional section was added later to expand the protected territory.
The land is valued for its untouched natural state, where visitors experience forests and mountains without structures or motorized equipment. This wilderness offers people a place to step away from modern life and connect with the forest on its own terms.
Access the area through Forest Service roads from the main highway, with parking available near the main trailhead. Spring through fall offers the best hiking conditions, when trails are dry and most accessible.
A long-distance hiking route runs through the area connecting multiple regions together. This trail passes through changing terrain and reveals interesting geological formations that most visitors might overlook.
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