Horse Thief Springs Trail (Ouachita National Forest, OK)

2013.05.11- We had been talking about the Horse Thief Springs Trail for a couple of months as a prep hike for our Mt Rainer Wanderlust Trail journey in late July. It is about the right size for the daily hikes we were planning in Washington yet without the elevation climb. Little did we know at the start that by the of our hike, we added a couple of miles because of our scenic diversions.

Located in the Ouachita Forest of Oklahoma south of Cedar Lake and Northeast of Talihina, OK, Horse Thief Spring Trail is a loop trail with two trail heads. One is at the actual Horse Thief Spring and the other near Cedar Lake recreation Site. Since we camped the night before on the lake, that is where we started.

Just after 7 am we started hiking. The cooler temperature felt good as we made our way toward the Horse Thief Spring Loop. The Loop is between two main roads Holson Valley Road at the north and Scenic Route 1 on the south. This meant we had to cross and walk along some paved roads. Because of this, pay attention and follow the white arrows as they had not always been there and have caused confusion on where the trail continues.

Our first pivot or diversion we made was at Snake Mountain. Scenic Route signs were abound and so we took one, but at some point the markers stopped. The good thing was that they stopped about 70 feet from a geocache that had not been found this year, Snake Mountain Spire (GCXW8Z). Signing the log required a bit of rock climbing, without special equipment. It was fun getting a little dirty as this is one aspect, I truly enjoy about that game. When I found the ammo can, I took a moment and a picture of the amazing view. Sadly, this was the only cache hidden on the loop.

After the cache excitement, we looked for the scenic route and decided against bush whacking. The trail was easier to follow in the winter without so much vegetation. This lead us on a common topic of the day. Both of us agreed that if others keep hiking this trail, it would minimize the overgrowth. Not discounting the greenery, as it is awesome, rather, a formable, pronounced trail is more enjoyable than thorns and weeds.

Before making our climb to meet up with the Ouachita trail, we took a break at a campsite at the edge of an open field. It was only one of two breaks we took that day and it felt good to take the daypack off and sit for a few minutes. By now, the sun was out and making the day beautiful.

The climb was good for the heart and the switchbacks good for the feet. We made pretty quick work of it though and at the intersection we caught our breathe. A bottle of water was near the sign and we wondered if it was left or if it was moonshine. Our curiosity did not get the best of us.

At the top, there were are a couple of places where the view into the valley was picturesque aided by the puffy clouds. Spring had finally made it as there was green as far as the eye can see. Simple prizes we found along the way.

Another prize came in the form of boulders when we crossed a section covered in them. They trickled down mysteriously from the top begging us to wonder, where did they come from and how did they get here. A bit out of place, but maybe not, for they have been around for a long long time.

We made it to the Horse Thief Spring and marveled at its design. The water was not clear and did not entice us. Glad there was a 'Water not tested' sign. Once walked around and got our fill, we headed back to the main trail to finish our trek. However, the spring was not quite done with us. We would cross paths with it's downhill flow a few more times.

The decent into the valley can almost be as tough as the climb for me. When I elevate, I can power onto terrain, but going downhill, I tend to overextend my leg to find sure footing. It can be a nightmare on the knees and one bad step can hurt.

On the home stretch we came across a creek with a good amount of water. It is good to see, as at some point in the summer, the creek dries up with the warm temperatures in the area. Being Balance-Impaired, I don't do so well on unstable ground, but today with my walking stick, I did just fine. Good thing considering all the electronics on me.

At the end, we celebrated and acknowledged our hurting feet and shoulders. It is clear, we need to hike more to get in the best possible hiking shape. There are plenty of other adventures here and it look forward to the next time I circle back.

This was my longest hike since the inception of this blog and a good tune up for our Seattle Wanderlust trip. We hiked 13.72 miles in 7 hours : 12 minutes. We averaged 31 minutes : 29 seconds a mile including breaks. Our fastest mile was the first one at 24 minutes : 23 seconds. On our 6th mile, we ascended 498 feet while on the 9th, we descended 546.

Trail Miles Blogged: 23.62 miles.