Way out in western Arkansas, the Ouachita Mountains roll across the landscape in long, forested ridges. It’s less jagged than the Ozarks, but just as wild.
This region is quieter, more remote, and home to some of the state’s most wild, underrated trails.
The Little Missouri Trail to Winding Stairs is one of them.
It’s an adventurous hike into the Arkansas backcountry, with river crossings and plenty of solitude. It’s great for both day hiking and backpacking, although it’s located out in the middle of nowhere.
But the hike’s destination has some of the best landscapes in the Ouachita Mountains. Along the Little Missouri River, layered rock shelves create the “winding stairs”. The scenery here is some of the most dramatic in the Ouachitas, and it left me with that rare feeling of truly being off the grid.
In this guide, I’ll share what you need to know before hiking the Little Missouri Trail to the Winding Stairs in Arkansas, including how to get there and what the trail is like. I’ll also share tips from my own experience so you can be ready for this epic hike in Arkansas’ Ouachita National Forest.
Winding Stairs (Little Missouri Trail) Complete Guide
The Winding Stairs is a scenic stretch of the Little Missouri Trail, part of the larger Eagle Rock Loop in the Ouachita National Forest in western Arkansas.
There’s no official trail named “Winding Stairs”. And despite its name, the Winding Stairs isn’t an actual staircase.
Instead, the term “Winding Stairs” refers to a section of the Little Missouri River that winds through a narrow, rocky valley.
The “stairs” are the natural rock formations that step down along the riverbed, flanked by bluffs and massive boulders. There’s no single viewpoint or destination marker. This area is more of a zone you explore on your own. Hike, scramble, or just find a quiet spot along the water to take it all in.
To reach the Winding Stairs section, prepare to get your feet wet. There are at least two water crossings in each direction, and there’s no way around them.
I recommend wearing hiking shoes you don’t mind getting wet, or packing a pair of water shoes or flip flops to swap into.
Whatever you do, don’t try to cross barefoot like I did. It’s slow, awkward, and those river rocks hurt. Save yourself the hassle and go prepared.
Little Missouri Trail to Winding Stairs Hike Details
- Hike Distance: The total distance of the hike is about 4 miles, out-and-back.
- Hike Duration: The hike takes about 2.5 hours total, including time exploring the rock formations at the Winding Stairs area.
- Hike Difficulty: The trail’s difficulty is moderate. There aren’t any steep climbs, but the water crossings can make it difficult for some people. The trail is mostly shaded, but you should bring at least 2 liters of water, especially if it’s hot out.
- Water crossings: The trail has two water crossings each way. Your feet will get wet, so bring flip flops or water shoes to swap into if you don’t want your hiking boots to get wet.
- Hike Incline: The total incline for this hike is about 350 feet. The trail goes over a hill in one portion, but it’s not super steep. Most of the trail is relatively flat.
- Dogs are allowed on this trail.
How to get to the trail for the Winding Stairs
First, a quick clarification: there’s no official “Winding Stairs Trail.” The hike to Winding Stairs actually follows a section of the Little Missouri Trail, part of the larger Eagle Rock Loop in the Ouachita National Forest.
To reach the trailhead, head toward the Albert Pike Recreation Area in western Arkansas. Just past the recreation area, turn onto NFR 106, a well-maintained gravel road. While it’s unpaved, it’s usually in good shape. You don’t need four-wheel drive, and a regular sedan should have no problem getting there.
There’s a small parking area along NFR 106 where you can leave your vehicle. This is where you’ll access the Little Missouri Trail that leads to the Winding Stairs. Use the map marker below for accurate GPS directions. It will take you directly to the parking area and trailhead for the Winding Stairs.
Winding Stairs Trail in Arkansas: My Experience
Our hike to the Winding Stairs along the Little Missouri Trail was full of surprises. Some were fun, some were frustrating, but all were part of the adventure.
The hike started off easy enough. The trail was clear and easy at first, and we made good progress.
Until we hit the first creek crossing.
The water level in the creek was low, but the crossing still took some thought. We scouted a route and pieced together a dry way across. No wet feet — yet.
But right after that first crossing, the trail got harder to follow. Maybe it was all the fallen leaves covering the path, or maybe the trail just doesn’t see much foot traffic. Either way, we got turned around a couple of times.
At one point, we ended up walking right in a dry creekbed, just trying to stay pointed in the right direction.
The trail climbed up into the side of the mountain and wrapped around the hill. From there, it was much easier to follow as it dropped back down and reconnected with the Little Missouri River.
That’s when we hit a big decision point. It was another water crossing. This one was wider, and there was no dry route across.
I took my boots off and waded across the river barefoot, which ended up being way more difficult than expected. Walking over the rocks was painful, and balancing was tough. I made it across, dried off my feet, and put my boots back on.
My dad had a better idea. He just said “screw it” and marched straight through with his boots on. His feet were soaked, but he didn’t have to deal with the hassle of taking his boots off, and then putting them back on.
I guess his time in the army taught him a few things. Wet feet beats hobbling over sharp rocks any day.
Not long after that crossing, the landscape began to change. The valley narrowed, and huge boulders started appearing in and around the river.
We passed a flat area next to the trail where a solo backpacker had set up his camp. We asked him how much farther to the Winding Stairs, and he smiled and said, “You’re in it.”
I was initially confused. I expected a single, obvious landmark. But he explained to us that the Winding Stairs isn’t one specific spot. It’s an area along the river where the rock formations stack up along the river, growing more dramatic the further you go.
And he was right.
As we hiked deeper in, the rock formations got even better. We climbed out onto some of the rocks to explore the river and take in the view. Strangely shaped boulders lined the riverbank like giants.
I wanted to keep going, but we were running out of daylight. We found a good spot to sit, ate our lunch, and began our hike back.
But this time, I didn’t bother taking off my boots. I just slogged through the water crossings, and it was so much easier. Lesson learned. Walking wet beats tiptoeing barefoot across river stones.
On the way back, we found a horse trail on the map that bypassed the hilly section we’d climbed earlier. It was faster and more direct, but clearly not used much.
We made it back to the car with soaked feet. It felt like we’d uncovered a hidden corner of Arkansas. I already can’t wait to return and backpack deeper into this rugged part of the Ouachitas.
Are You Following My Arkansas Blog Series?
I grew up spending my summers in Arkansas and have been all over the state. To help fellow adventurers, I’ve put together guides to the best places I found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- My ultimate Arkansas hiking guide: 8 Incredible Hikes in Arkansas: Complete Travel Guide
- Best canoe/kayak adventure in Arkansas: How to Float the Buffalo River
- My favorite hike in Arkansas: Seven Hollows Trail
- Best waterfall hike in Arkansas: Cedar Falls Trail
- Most dangerous hike in Arkansas: Centerpoint to Big Bluff Goat Trail
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the Winding Stairs Trail in Arkansas. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
