Arkansas · Hiking

Poteau Mtn Multi-Use Trail

37.4 mi
round trip
4,266 ft
climb
2,229 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Poteau Mtn Multi-Use Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ouachita National Forest. It doesn't name Poteau Mtn Multi-Use Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (5 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Ouachita National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Poteau Mtn Multi-Use Trail is a 37.4-mile out-and-back route in the Poteau Ranger District of Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a starting point at about 1,831 feet to a high point of 2,229 feet, with a total elevation gain of 4,266 feet over the course of the trip. The steepest stretch comes at about 10.3 miles, where the grade reaches 21 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Waldron, which sits well below the trail, show October highs around 74°F with lows near 48°F, while July and August average highs of 92°F. That station's figures don't reflect the cooler temperatures expected at the higher elevations. The trip takes about 14.5 hours. The Poteau Mtn M.U.T. - C and Belle Starr M.U.T. - B trails lie within a few miles, and the James Fork offers canoeing. Little Pines campground is about 6.6 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Feb–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Poteau Mtn Multi-Use Trail

    Best months: February–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      51° / 28°

      7 wet · 1 snow

    2. Feb

      56° / 31°

      7 wet · 1 snow

    3. Mar

      64° / 39°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      72° / 47°

      9 wet

    5. May

      79° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 65°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      92° / 68°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      92° / 67°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      85° / 60°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 48°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      62° / 38°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      53° / 30°

      8 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Waldron, AR, 13.9 mi away at 716 ft. The station sits about 1,500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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