Top 10 Things to Do Around Lake Ouachita: Festivals, Fishing Tournaments & Outdoor Fun

Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Lake Ouachita offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and community-driven events. Whether you are a first-time visitor, a seasoned outdoor lover, or someone considering making this your next home, there’s always something happening that will capture your heart. Here are 10 things to do around Lake Ouachita — from fishing tournaments and local festivals to hiking trails and serene boat rides.

1. Attend a Fishing Tournament

If you’re passionate about fishing or just curious to see competitive anglers in action, Lake Ouachita is a hotspot. A few of the tournaments/events to watch for or participate in:

• Phoenix Bass Fishing League at Lake Ouachita — a major event for bass anglers.

• Bassmaster Open at Lake Ouachita — another large bass fishing competition that draws visitors and participants alike.

Even if you don’t fish yourself, these tournaments are fun to attend, with weigh-ins, vendors, and a chance to meet people who know the lake.

2. Explore Local Festivals and Events

The Lake Ouachita area hosts multiple seasonal events that offer culture, food, and family-friendly entertainment. A few to check out:

• The Mount Ida Chamber of Commerce lists local events and festivals happening in Montgomery County throughout the year.

• The Arkansas Tourism shares statewide festival information.

• Also keep an eye on the Arkansas State Parks Events Calendar for special happenings at the lake or in nearby state parks.

These events bring the community together, make for great photo-ops, and often boost the local economy - making them great to attend or use as content for local real estate marketing.

3. Hiking the Trails

• Lake Ouachita Vista Trail - offers scenic lake views, shorter or longer distances with trailheads throughout and great for families.

• Ouachita National Recreation Trail - a long trail that spans 223 miles through the forest. Hikers, backpackers, and nature lovers will find breathtaking scenery.

• Womble Trail - open to mountain biking and hiking; it features varied terrain and forest views.

4. Water Activities: Boating, Swimming & Scuba

• Rent a boat or a kayak from one of the marinas; being out on Lake Ouachita is one of its greatest draws.

• Enjoy dedicated swimming beaches and buoyed swimming areas - perfect for hot summer days.

• For adventure: scuba diving! The lake is known for its clear water, depth, and underwater geological features (including formations like zebra rock) that make diving here particularly interesting.

5. Camping & Cabin Retreats

Spending a night under the stars (or in a cozy cabin near the woods) around Lake Ouachita is an unbeatable way to experience the natural side of Arkansas:

• Lake Ouachita State Park offers campsites (some lakeside) and cabins for those who prefer more comfort.

• Cabin rentals, Airbnb-style stays, or resort cabins near the lake let you have both nature and amenities.

6. Visit Hot Springs & Surrounding Towns

You don’t have to stay on the lake to enjoy wonderful nearby attractions:

• The city of Hot Springs offers a historic downtown, thermal bath experiences, Oaklawn hors racing, arts, culture, and great dining.

• Scenic drives through the Ouachita Mountains, small mountain towns with unique shops, and local heritage sites all are within short drives.

7. Mountain Biking & Off-Trail Adventure

• The Womble and LOViT Trails offer quality single-track riding and hiking options. Arkansas is known for it’s unofficial title ‘Mountainbiking Capital of the World’.

• Forest service and national forest roads throughout the Ouachita National Forest allow for exploration, wildlife viewing, and sometimes guided tours.

8. Nature & Wildlife Photography

From lake sunrises/sunsets to forest flora and fauna, Ouachita offers many opportunities:

• Early morning or late afternoon light is beautiful on the lake or from trail overlooks. Check out the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista!

• Keep an eye out for native wildlife (eagles, deer, etc.) in less-traveled forested areas or off the beaten path.

9. Geology / Underwater Interest Sites

• The underwater geological formations (including zebra rock, quartz formations, etc.) are fascinating for divers and even snorkelers with the right gear.

• The Geo-Float Trail (16 miles of interesting shoreline geology) is something outdoor lovers will appreciate.

10. Seasonal Highlights: What’s Best When

Some things are especially good in certain seasons. Planning ahead is helpful.

• Spring / Early Summer: Wildflower season, hiking, fishing tournaments begin.

• Summer: Boating, swimming, diving, camping.

• Fall: The foliage in the Ouachita Mountains is stunning. Cooler weather makes hiking and biking more comfortable. Festivals tend to cluster in fall too.

• Winter: More peaceful; fewer crowds. Great for quiet retreats, photography, and bargain-season lodging.

Local Tips for Visitors (and Potential Homeowners)

• If you plan to fish, check the schedule for tournaments and any registration or permit requirements.

• Reserve cabins or campsites well in advance during peak summer and festival seasons.

• Weather in Arkansas can change quickly - bring layers, especially for early mornings and evenings.

• Support local businesses: shops, restaurants, guides. It helps the community and gives you more authentic experience.

Conclusion

Lake Ouachita is more than just scenic views - it’s a dynamic destination filled with festivals, outdoor activities, and community spirit. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or considering making this your permanent home, the blend of natural beauty and local culture has something for everyone.

LOViT Living: Explore the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail and Its Epic Races

Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle for outdoor lovers, athletes, and nature seekers alike. Stretching 39 miles along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita, this nationally recognized trail is more than just a path through the woods—it’s a community, a destination, and a way of life.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or dreaming of your next race, LOViT is a trail that rewards every step. And for those looking to live where they play, owning property near this trail is like having a front-row seat to one of Arkansas’s most scenic adventures.

🌲 What is the LOViT Trail?

The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) is a remote, single-track trail system spanning through public lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Ouachita National Forest. It connects Denby Bay to Blakely Dam, winding across five mountain ridges and delivering unforgettable views of Lake Ouachita’s crystal-clear waters.

Highlights:

• IMBA Epic Designation – Recognized internationally for challenging terrain and natural beauty

• Multi-Use Trail – Perfect for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking

• Unmatched Scenery – Forested ridgelines, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking lake views

• Accessible Trailheads – Easily reached from Mount Ida, including access points at Crystal Springs, Brady Mountain, and Shangri-La

🏃‍♀️ Trail Races That Draw a Crowd

LOViT isn’t just for casual adventurers—it’s also home to two major annual trail races that attract endurance athletes from across the country.

🎖️ December: LOViT Trail Marathon

Each December, runners tackle a 26.2-mile marathon along the rugged mountain trail.

• Date: First Saturday of December

• Start: Shangri-La Drive trailhead

• Support: Water, snacks, drop-bag station

• Vibe: Grassroots and community-driven—entry is donation-based

• Tip: Wear blaze orange—race overlaps with hunting season

This race is a great introduction to trail running in Arkansas, offering a scenic but demanding course with a laid-back atmosphere.

🏅 February: LOViT 100K & 100-Miler

If the marathon whets your appetite for more, the LOViT 100K and 100-Mile Ultra Trail Races are the real test of endurance.

• Date: Mid-February each year

• Location: Begins at East Cove Pavilion, near Mountain Harbor Resort

• Cutoff Times: 24 hours for the 100K, 34 hours for the 100-Mile

• Support: 6–22 staffed aid stations depending on distance

• Swag: Buckles for 100-Mile finishers, technical gear, and bragging rights

This event showcases the full beauty (and challenge) of the Ouachitas—climbing over 12,000 feet of elevation with awe-inspiring views and a true sense of trail camaraderie. As a 2020 completer of the 100 Miler (31 hour time) I will say it was my favorite race ever.

🏡 Why This Trail Matters to Buyers

If you’ve ever dreamed of living somewhere that feels like a retreat, the LOViT trail delivers. Property in the Mount Ida and Lake Ouachita area provides direct access to:

• Daily adventure – Morning hikes, afternoon bike rides, or sunset jogs on world-class trails

• Event excitement – Cheer on runners, host friends, or even train for your own race

• Community – A shared love for nature, wellness, and outdoor living

• Tranquility + Access – Peaceful mountain living with quick drives to Hot Springs and nearby amenities

Whether you're looking for a vacation home, full-time residence, or an investment near the lake, this is where lifestyle meets location.

🧭 Planning Your Visit

Start your adventure (or property tour) at one of these local stops:

• 🏨 Mountain Harbor Resort or Shangri La Resort– Lakeside lodging with dining and marinas

• 🏕️ Denby Point, Tompkins Bend or Crystal Springs Campgrounds – Ideal for overnight trail access

• 🥾 Gear Tip: Download the FarOut Guides app for full trail navigation and elevation profiles

💬 Ready to Wake Up Near LOViT?

Living near the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail means you’re never far from fresh air, adventure, and unforgettable moments. If you’re ready to find a home—or a home away from home—within reach of one of Arkansas’s most prized trails, I’d love to help.

📍 Explore listings, schedule a tour, or just ask about the best spots to catch a sunset on the trail.

Let’s find your perfect place in the Ouachitas.