Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma
Off Highway Vehicles

The Ouachita National Forest is the South’s oldest national forest, comprising more than 1.6 million acres.  Rich in history, the rugged Ouachita Mountains were first explored in 1541 by Hernando DeSoto’s party of Spainards.  French explorers followed, flavoring the region with names like Fourche la Fave River.  “Ouachita” is the French spelling of the Native American word “Washita,” which means “good hunting grounds.”   Stretching from near the center of Arkansas to southeast Oklahoma, the Ouachita Mountains are generously endowed with a multitude of recreational opportunities.  Sightseeing is a popular way to view the changing landscapes throughout the year.
The Ouachita National Forest, Three Rivers and Honobia Creeek Wildlife Management areas are the only areas available for legal public, OHV use in McCurtain County. Land maps are available through most local business.
Throughout the forest you will find number markings on the trees. Most markings can be tracked on the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area trail map. (Free Distribution)
Trail markings that end in “00” designates a road that will lead to a trail marking ending in “000”
“000” markings will lead you out of the forest
Trail markings ending in 1-9 designates a road that will eventually lead you deeper into the forest or will dead end.
For more information, please call the Oklahoma Ranger District at (580) 286-6564, (918) 567-2326 or (918) 653-2991. The above information was provided in a hand-out by the Department of Wildlife Conservation

Off-Highway Vehicle Use
Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma

There are special rules and regulations for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use here that are different from the rest of the Ouachita National Forest. OHV’s include ATV’s, 4 wheelers, 3-wheelers, utility vehicles such as mules, motorcycles. For a more pleasant visit, please take a moment to review the following guidelines:
If you pack it in – pack it out. Trash is an eyesore and attracts scavengers that can endanger other wildlife.
Alcohol is legally permitted in campsite areas only.
OHV’s may be used on OPEN unpaved National Forest roads constructed and intended for normal or regular motor vehicle use. A road is considered closed if there is a sign, gate, or other barricade, including a dirt mound, blocking the road. Prior illegal OHV use does not imply permission to ride off the open road.
Throughout LeFlore County and in McCurtain County south of HWY 70, dispersed OHV use is permitted on the forest floor. In McCurtain County north of Broken Bow, OHV use is NOT permitted on the forest floor.
OHV’s are not allowed on trails designated for other uses, including hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. Currently there are no designated OHV trails on the forest in Oklahoma except for the Indian Nations Trail in LeFlore County, where motorcycles are allowed.
Driving on powerline, pipeline, seismic line, fireline or railroad right-of-ways is prohibited.
Driving in streambeds, creek beds, lakebeds, or shorelines is prohibited.
Make sure your vehicle is in good condition with an approved spark arrester.
Use the appropriate safety gear – helmet, eye protection, boots, and gloves.
Obey speed limits and be considerate of other visitors. When encountering horse riders, stop and yield the right-of-way since horses may be spooked by motorized vehicles.

Reasons for Rules
Heavy or irresponsible OHV use can wreak havoc on the environment. Miles of unplanned roads from heavy OHV use on the forest floor can damage watersheds, destroy habitats, kill native plant and animal species, and pollute streams and rivers.
To help preserve these resources and the continued opportunities for you to enjoy using your vehicle on public lands, we ask that you observe the guidelines
Individuals riding in closed areas can currently be fined up to $1300. There are also special rules and regulations for the Three Rivers Management Area under the management of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.