Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Flatside Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 9,507 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Arkansas and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

In the extreme eastern Ouachita Mountains is a Wilderness that takes its name from Flatside Pinnacle, a 1,550-foot rock outcropping just outside the northeast boundary. Dominating the skyline are White Oak Mountain, the highest point in the Wilderness at 1,650 feet, and Forked Mountain, at 1,350 feet. From overlooks on the eastern and western sides, the forest below looks like an unbroken canopy of pines and hardwoods. Several small creeks flow through the area. Spanning the entire Ouachita National Forest from east to west, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail starts near Flatside Pinnacle and crosses the Wilderness for 10 miles of rugged hiking to White Oak Mountain. Off-trail hikers will encounter some of the remotest parts of Arkansas.

Planning to Visit the Flatside Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations, Permits
• Contact the Forest Service
• Visit the National Forest wilderness website

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Flatside Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.