LeFlore County K-Trail(edit)

Overview

Begin at the Beech Creek National Scenic Area sign, south side of OK-63, five miles west of the Arkansas border (34.64335, -94.54493). Continue south on an easy well-graded gravel road (LeFlore County Road 4798/Forest Road 6026) for approximately 8 miles, to a "tee" at the end of the road. Take that road either west (moderate trail) or east (difficult trail).

~~~ if traveling WEST on Forest Road 6025 from LeFlore County Road 4798/Forest Road 6026

Turn west onto Forest Road 6025, continue approximately 8 miles on an unmaintained forest road. You'll need ground clearance of 10", and good navigation skills, to avoid the large rocks in the road. Forest Road 6025 is very bouncy and that 8 mile climb will require at least two hours drive time, not including breaks. The drive is especially beautiful the first week in November, when the trees are at their peak of color; however, it can be enjoyed any season of the year.

There is one 50' section of clay soil on a steep uphill grade, about halfway through the climb on FR6025. It is easily manageable when dry weather, but becomes slippery after a rain--I would suspect a 2WD would have difficulty on this very short stretch of roadway. Water crossings are all small and generally have rock-bottoms; I've never bogged down in a water crossing on these trails.

If lucky, you'll have the opportunity to spot black bear, wild hogs, and deer on this lightly-traveled trail. Although rare, after a storm fallen trees occasionally block the roadway.

The trail basically ends at the junction with US-259 and the Three Sticks Monument, atop Winding Stair Mountain. If desired, one can continue an additional four miles west of the Three Sticks Monument, but the trail is gated and closed just west of the 1927-era Kiamichi Fire Lookout Tower. The four-mile section of the trail west of the Three Stick monument holds many large pools of muddy water about 8" deep. The pools all have a rock-bottom (so your vehicle will not sink).

~~~ if traveling EAST on Forest Road 6025 from LeFlore County Road 4798/Forest Road 6026

As to that big loop toward the east and south (at the bottom) on this automatically-generated map, the trail was almost impassable in both April and July 2021. Severe wash-out/ruts (knee-deep!) on the southwest side of Walnut Mountain (34.57040, -94.49041) are especially concerning if one is traveling alone. Further, Forest Road 6033 (the part of that loop which turns back north and reconnects to the K-Trail, is overgrown to the point you'll need to drive your vehicle through/across through heavy brush completely obscuring the trail. The low-water river crossing at 34.54779, -94.56264 on Forest Road 6033 has been completely washed out and is impassable by any vehicle. However, if you can get through the washed-out rutted portion on the southwest side of Walnut Mountain, you'll eventually connect to a graveled county road which will carry you west to Smithville, Oklahoma, or east into Mena, Arkansas.

Getting Started

This is a moderate one way trail in Choctaw Nation. Commonly known at the K-Trail.

This is one of the most beautiful (but remote) sections of the Ouachita Mountains. You'll encounter a very rough trail which would require a high-clearance vehicle, preferably 4WD. You should also carry basic first-aid and vehicle recovery gear (basic tools, winch, tow strap, chainsaw for fallen trees, etc.). There will be no cell phone reception in this area, and you will be very remote--far from help if needed. It is a strong probability that you will meet no other vehicles on this trail. For this reason, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED you travel with a small group of other vehicles while exploring this trail.

The trail is very bouncy due to large rocks (cantaloupe and watermelon-sized) on the roadway, as well as a few "stair-step" climbs up the rocky hillsides. The trail is not inherently dangerous--meaning there are no cliffs, steep grades, or other challenges which could lead to a roll-over accident. Plan on two hours or more driving time, not including rest stops. There are ample places to pull out and enjoy a break. I usually complete the trail in about three hours.

Taking Children

The trail is very rough and bouncy. I have friends whose children are accustomed to riding trails in their parents' Jeeps, and those children have absolutely no issues.