South of I-40 this weekend???

I am heading south of I-40 this weekend. I was thinking of Ouachita Mountains but am not familiar with the area.

Can anyone make some suggestions?

Hi Ed. I was in the Caney Creek wilderness area yesterday. Forest Road 38 / Polk County Road 64 / Shady Lake Road, which runs from near the Shady community to Shady Lake then near Athens, was very pretty. There was also so nice stuff along the road running east from there to the Albert Pike Campground on the Little Missouri River.. Forest Road 81 / Polk County Road 81. If you head that way, be sure to check out Little Missouri Falls.

If you like overlooks, you might try the Talimena Scenic Drive, which is Arkansas 88 west from Mena. There are a number of overlooks along this highway, which follows the spine of Rich Mountain.

Flatside Pinnacle might be fun, too, over south of Morrilton. I know how to get there but I don't have directions handy. It's in one of the Ernst books, I think, maybe the Nature Lover's Guide, if you have that.

I haven't been to either place lately and don't know how fall colors are coming along.

Ed, make sure you check out the Cossatot Falls area and County Road 31 that heads north from Highway 246 just east of the Cossatot River. It follows the Cossatot river north to Arkansas Highway 8. There should be some good stuff in both areas.

If you are up for hiking, the trail into the Winding Stairs area of the Little Missouri should be nice. It is reached by taking Arkansas 369 north from Langley, AR.

Thanks for the input. I'll let you know how it goes.