Arkansas · Rock climbing · Perryville

River Valley and Ouachitas Region

River Valley and Ouachitas Region in Arkansas has 10 climbing routes across 8 difficulty grades.

10 routes
5.3 – 5.10a
Mixed · Sport · Trad

Is River Valley and Ouachitas Region open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ouachita National Forest. It doesn't name River Valley and Ouachitas Region, 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.

Best time to visit River Valley and Ouachitas Region

Best months: March–June 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

    49° / 29°

    10 wet

  2. Feb

    54° / 32°

    9 wet

  3. Mar

    62° / 40°

    11 wet

  4. Apr

    71° / 48°

    10 wet

  5. May

    78° / 58°

    11 wet

  6. Jun

    85° / 66°

    9 wet

  7. Jul

    89° / 70°

    10 wet

  8. Aug

    89° / 69°

    9 wet

  9. Sep

    83° / 62°

    7 wet

  10. Oct

    73° / 50°

    8 wet

  11. Nov

    61° / 39°

    9 wet

  12. Dec

    51° / 32°

    10 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Alum Fk, AR, 4.7 mi away at 698 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

The River Valley and Ouachitas Region is a climbing area in Arkansas's Ouachita National Forest, within the Winona Ranger District. It is managed by the Forest Service and sits among a cluster of short hikes, making it easy to pair with a day on foot or on the water. The climbing here is a mix of styles, with 10 routes in total. They range from trad on Facelift, a 5.3, to sport on Breonna and Good 5.10 Vertical Main Wall, both 5.10a. The area also has mixed climbing, including The Flake (Smokin or Chokin) at 5.8, and bouldering. The YDS grades run from 5.3 to 5.10a, with a median of 5.5, and the V scale covers V5- to V8-. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 71°F in April and 73°F in October, while July and August average highs near 89°F. Hiking trails start close by, with Camp Ouachita Trail, Chinquapin Loop and Wildlife Loop each about a mile away. Paddlers can reach the Maumelle River roughly 3 miles off.