Winding Stair
Poteau, OK
Length: 2 days/2 nights
Price: 150
Skill Level: Beginner
View Description
To receive a detailed itinerary for this tour, please fill out the
brief form on our 'Book a private trip form'
and a detailed itinerary will be
e-mailed to you.
If you would prefer, you can call our office at 918-770-6822 for more information.

This counterclockwise loop combines three trails, the Boardstand,
Old Military Road and the Ouachita, to form 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 the trail dips downhill to Bohannon Creek and
rises to Deadman’s Gap where it again crests the mountain’s ridgeline
and turns sharply downhill. Rejoin 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.