This counterclockwise loop combines three trails, the the Boardstand, Old Military Road and the Ouachita, to from one of Oklahoma’s best 2-night trips. Seven different trailheads provide plenty of customization options and easy-access water cache spots during hot, dry summer months.

Beginning in Holson Valley, the first several miles of this loop roll westward through several forested ravines and then turn uphill toward Talimena State Park, cresting Winding Stair Mountain’s western flank at mile 6.4. Stop to read the historical marker at the end of Old Military Road and dip downhill before slowly climbing again along the ridge’s southern slope toward the route’s high point near Panorama Vista at mile 11.5—there are several developed backcountry sites to stop on day 1.

The second half of the loop begins with spectacular views of the Chancellor Mountains as it dips downhill to Bohannon Creek and rises to Deadman’s Gap where the trail again crests the mountain’s ridgeline and turns sharply downhill. Re-join the Indian Nation Trail just before mile 16. The last several miles of trail roll over small hills in the forested Holson Valley heading west to loop end and the 0.7-mile spur to the trailhead.

-Mapped by Charlie Williams