The Ouachita Mountains are something we share with Oklahoma, but don’t hold that against them. They’re a spectacular place to explore and enjoy some of the most scenic spots in the Natural State. Unlike most mountain ranges, these mountains don’t run north to south, they run east to west. This is just one of the many things that make them so cool. Along with their big brother to the north, the Ozarks, they’re part of the U.S. Interior Highlands, which is one of very few major mountainous regions between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rockies. The best part of the Ouachitas, however, is the variety of things you’ll find to do there. So pack your bags, Arkansans, Arkansawyers, and people from other places, even Oklahomans, I suppose – this is one region that everyone in the U.S. needs to visit.

For a map to this region, click here.

1. In the Ouachitas, you’ll find incredible views.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
2. The Ouachitas are full of streams, creeks, rivers, and lakes, so there are a number of places where you can catch a big fish.
Flickr/Patrick Lewis
Or, you know, an adorable, palm-sized fish.
3. There are 2,788 square miles of forest to explore in Ouachita National Forest.
Flickr/Richard May
4. You can catch stunning sunsets in the Ouachitas.
Flickr/Shena Tschofen
5. Our gorgeous, restorative resort town, Hot Springs, is located in the Ouachita Mountain Range.
Flickr/Paul
Whether you're in it for the bathhouses, the natural Hot Springs, or the amusement park, Hot Springs is a wonderful place to take a break from it all.
Flickr/CJ
6. You can dig for diamonds in the Ouachitas, at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Flickr/ZhaoScorpio
7. You’ll find Arkansas’s five “diamond lakes” in the Ouachitas.
Flickr/ben Brown
They include Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton, Lake Catherine, Lake Greeson, and DeGray Lake ...and all five are fantastic.

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8. Lake Ouachita is the most pristine lake in the state, and one of the clearest in the country.
Flickr/swagata.roychowdhury
9. You can find tons of uninhabited islands on Lake Ouachita. They’re perfect for a weekend of primitive camping.
Flickr/Granger Meador
10. The Ozarks aren’t the only place where you can find waterfalls.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
This is Little Cedar Creek Falls, which is located on Petit Jean Mountain.
11. Speaking of Petit Jean Mountain, it’s an absolute must visit.
Flickr/Robert Thigpen
12. It’s the perfect place to look out over the Arkansas River Valley.
Flickr/Geographilia
13. We did already discuss the views available in the Ouachitas, right? Well, let’s let this picture speak of them again:
Flickr/dmitri_66
14. The Talimena Scenic Drive is absolutely breathtaking, even if it does take you to Oklahoma.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
15. The Ouachitas have the highest peak in Arkansas - Mount Magazine - and you haven’t lived until you’ve gazed from the overlooks there.
Flickr/latteda
16. We all know the Buffalo National River has amazing views of bluffs, but Cameron Bluff, located near Mount Magazine, is one of the coolest in the state.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball

For all the reasons we love the delta, click here.

For reasons to visit central Arkansas, try these places.

If you’re wondering more about the resort town mentioned above, read this article.

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