Discover Hodgen: Nature and Hiking Trails

Hodgen is home to Ouachita National Forest. The forest offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Those planning their trip around activities will find trails of varying lengths, natural areas, and camping options. When planning a hike, details such as whether a trail is suitable for beginners or includes a creek crossing can be helpful, in addition to its length.

Hiking Trails and Trail Lengths

The Ouachita National Recreation Trail System offers almost 50 miles of trails for beginners, intermediate hikers, and experienced users. The Turkey Snout Loop is just over four miles long and suitable for beginners. In the Beech Creek National Scenic & Botanical Area, the trail system includes 32 miles of hiking trails across 7,500 acres. A nine-mile loop in this area requires a creek crossing; you can take this section into account when planning your hike.

At Cedar Lake, a three-mile trail loops around the lake. Based on the stated lengths, this loop is shorter than the Turkey Snout Loop and considerably shorter than the loop in Beech Creek. Trail conditions and markings can change; check the current conditions before setting out.

Cedar Lake: Lake, Activities, and Facilities

Cedar Lake covers 86 acres and is surrounded by hills with pines and oaks. Popular activities on the lake include boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing. Outboard motors are limited to 7.5 hp. Largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish are stocked regularly, making fishing possible. Since stocking practices can change, it is worth checking the latest information before a fishing trip.

The recreation area around Cedar Lake has swimming areas, campgrounds, a boat ramp, and fishing piers. These facilities are part of the recreation area; this does not mean that they are all located directly on the lakeshore. Check facility availability before your trip. Cedar Lake Campground offers equestrian, group, and family sites.

Camping and Horseback Riding

Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp serves as a central starting point for more than 70 miles of riding trails. It offers more than 130 campsites for riders, including sites with electric and water hookups, as well as non-electric and undeveloped sites. Access to and conditions on the riding trails can change. You should also check current site availability and amenities before making specific plans.

Winding Stair Campground serves as a starting point for the Ouachita National Recreation Trail and is located along the Talimena Scenic Byway. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Winding Stair Recreation Area is located on Winding Stair Mountain and offers views of southeastern Oklahoma and the Winding Stair Mountain Range. Its 23 campsites include tables, fire rings, lantern poles, and grills. Since amenities can change, check the latest information when making specific plans.

Talimena Scenic Drive

In the wider Le Flore region, the Talimena Scenic Drive features historic sites and numerous overlooks with panoramic views. Horsethief Springs is a historic site along the scenic drive. This connection also makes the route appealing to travelers who want to include historic places and viewpoints in their trip alongside nature and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Heavener, Poteau.

Go to the regional travel overview: Le Flore.