Trail Overview
Cow Tail Branch turns off Alum Branch and is a relatively easy out-and-back trail. There are a few muddy spots along the route, but nothing too difficult under normal conditions. The trail leads to a great camping area with enough room for a group, making it a good base camp for exploring the more challenging trails nearby.
History
The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest national forest in the southern United States, established in 1907 to protect the region’s timber, wildlife, and watersheds. Covering nearly 1.8 million acres across western Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, it is known for its rugged ridges, dense pine and hardwood forests, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and extensive network of trails. Long before becoming a national forest, these mountains were home to Indigenous peoples, including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw, who relied on the area’s abundant natural resources. During the late 1800s, widespread logging transformed much of the landscape, leading to federal protection and restoration efforts. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built many of the roads, campgrounds, trails, and recreation areas that visitors still enjoy today. Whether you’re exploring by off-road vehicle, hiking, camping, or simply taking in the views, the Ouachita National Forest offers a unique blend of rich history, diverse wildlife, and some of the most scenic public lands in the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains.
