The Ouachita River

Delta professors Tiffany Green and Don Wheeler traveled to the headwaters of the Ouachita in western Arkansas in the spring of 2010.  We traveled west of Hot Springs via U.S. Highway 270 through the Ouachita National Forest and the Ouachita Mountains.  U.S. 270 and the Ouachita River intersected several times.  Photos were taken at Pencil Bluff, Acorn, and finally the headwaters about a mile west of Eagleton, Arkansas.  Because of terrain, we were unable to reach the actual initiation of the river, but came within 4000 feet of it.

It is truly remarkable to see how the river changes as one progresses downstream.  From a small, rapidly flowing mountain stream, to emerald green waters, then to an ever widening muddy brown river.  For a complete history of the river, visit the Ouachita River Foundation web site.

The images and maps below are a work in progress.  We will continue to add images of the river (especially the lower basin) with time in order to complete the journey.

The Headwaters of the Ouachita

Here is where the beautiful Ouachita River begins.  A mountain stream in the far reaches of western Arkansas just west of Eagleton, Arkansas off U.S. Highway 270 and only about five miles from the Oklahoma state line.  This photo was taken in the spring of 2010.  A visit during the summer would find only a small trickle at this location allowing a person to actually put a foot on either side of the river!

The maps below show where the headwaters originate.  You can find the site on the north side of U.S. Highway 270 about one mile west of  Eagleton, Arkansas.  A marker shows the location to park.  However, the marker does NOT indicate this is the headwaters of the Ouachita.  A short hike of about 200 feet will lead you to the river.

The First Ouachita River Bridge!

Acorn, Arkansas

Pencil Bluff, Arkansas

Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Camden, Arkansas

Monroe, Louisiana