A Guide to the
Wolf Pen Gap Trail System

Welcome to the Wolf Pen Gap Trails

As a guest of Lone Wolf Lodge, you have an exclusive advantage: direct, ride-out access to one of the nation's premier off-highway vehicle (OHV) destinations, right from your cabin. Located in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest, the Wolf Pen Gap Trail System is a celebrated multi-use trail complex. It is a favorite for ATV, side-by-side (UTV), and dirt bike enthusiasts, as well as hikers and mountain bikers, with its rugged terrain and scenic mountain vistas.

Your Direct Access from Lone Wolf Lodge

One of the best reasons to stay at our lodge is our unique and highly convenient direct access to the trails. Located at 221 Stine Ln, Mena, AR 71953, Lone Wolf Lodge is a secluded mountain retreat that provides the perfect basecamp for your adventure. You can forget about the hassle of trailering your vehicles to a trailhead. Instead, you can ride directly from our property to the extensive network of forest service and county roads that legally connect to the trail system.

Arkansas state law permits OHV operation on public roadways outside of city limits to travel between a cabin and a trailhead or to connect between different trail sections. This means that our location on Stine Lane allows you to transition seamlessly from your peaceful mountain escape to the expansive trail network.

All About the Trails

Trail Length and Characteristics

The Wolf Pen Gap Trail system is a complex network of interconnected loops that offers a wide range of riding experiences. While sources may list different mileage figures, this is because they refer to either the core, officially designated trail loops or the wider network of legally rideable forest service roads that connect to them.

For example, sources from the U.S. Forest Service consistently cite the official complex as having 41 or 42 miles of trails, while others may cite 31 miles for a specific set of loops. The Ouachita ATV Club, a local organization, has mapped hundreds of miles of surrounding county and forest service roads that are open to OHVs, with a goal of eventually expanding the core system to 50 miles.

Here is a summary of the key length figures to provide clarity:

31 miles: Off-road recreation sites; Refers to the main, well-known trail loops.
35 miles: Arkansas tourism authority; A current figure representing marked and looped trails.
39, 41, 42 miles: Local tourism and official map publishers; Generally accepted mileage for the officially designated trail complex.
50 miles+: Local clubs, off-road outfitters; Includes the wider network of surrounding forest and county roads legally accessible to OHVs.

Terrain and Difficulty Levels

The trails are renowned for their diverse and challenging terrain, with a mix of unsurfaced and gravel routes winding through dense pine and hardwood forests. You'll encounter a variety of conditions, including rocky sections, muddy crossings, and steep climbs.

While the system is designed for all skill levels, from novices to experts, it's essential to be aware of the varying difficulty levels. Certain trail sections are designated as "most difficult" and are recommended only for experienced riders. Specifically, trails 3, 6, and 8 contain advanced sections such as 300, 614, 624, and 826, where the terrain is particularly rocky and uneven. All trails are two-way, so be vigilant for other OHVs and, on some sections like trails 1, 2, and 5, for automobile traffic as well.

Key Scenic Points and Trail Features

A ride through Wolf Pen Gap is more than just off-roading; it's a journey through stunning scenery and unique natural landmarks. The trails offer high mountain vistas, lush stream valleys, and expansive forests. Notable points of interest include the picturesque Gap Creek and Board Camp Creek, which add to the setting.

One of the most famous and beloved landmarks is the "2-footed oak tree" located at the eastern end of the trail system. This unusual formation, where two separate trees are rooted and form an arch with a central trunk, has become a popular photo opportunity for riders who can fit their vehicles underneath. Other features include an abandoned mine shaft and an abundance of wildlife, with common sightings of deer, bears, and various bird species.

Trail Rules & Safety Tips

For a safe and enjoyable adventure, it's essential to follow the official rules and safety guidelines established by the U.S. Forest Service and the state of Arkansas.

Official Forest Service Rules

The U.S. Forest Service has a clear set of prohibitions for the trail complex, and a violation can result in penalties.

Operating Hours: OHVs are prohibited from operating after sundown or before sunrise.
Seasonal Closures: Do not use a motorized vehicle when the trail is seasonally closed for maintenance or due to wet conditions. These closures protect the trails from significant resource damage.
Vehicle Operation: Riding in a careless or reckless manner, or at a speed that could endanger people or property, is strictly prohibited.
Vehicle Type: The use of tracked vehicles on the trails is not permitted.
Camping: Camping is only allowed in designated campsites.

Arkansas State Laws for OHV Use

In addition to the Forest Service's rules, all OHV operators must comply with Arkansas state laws.

Vehicle Registration and Titling: All ATVs and OHVs must be registered and titled with the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Helmets and Eye Protection: Arkansas state law explicitly requires that helmets with eye guards be worn by all ATV operators.
Riding Double: It is illegal to ride passengers on ATVs that are built for only one rider.
Headlights and Taillights: Vehicles must be equipped with a working headlight and taillight if operated between a half-hour before sunrise and a half-hour after sunset.

Critical Safety Recommendations

Beyond the legal requirements, several practical safety recommendations are critical for a safe journey on the trails.

Stay Out of Creeks: This is a crucial and non-negotiable rule. Do not ride in creeks, except at designated crossings. The U.S. Forest Service has threatened to limit or close trails entirely if this irresponsible behavior continues.
Proper Tires: Oversized and mud tires are not recommended for the rocky terrain of the Wolf Pen Gap trails. Stock tires are considered the most suitable choice.
Spark Arrestor: All OHV exhausts must be equipped with a spark arrestor. This is a federal regulation on National Forest land and is a critical safety measure to prevent wildfires.
Two-Way Traffic: All trails within the system operate with two-way traffic. Always be prepared to encounter other vehicles coming from the opposite direction.

Plan Your Adventure

Seasonal Operations and Weather Advisories

The trail system operates on a seasonal schedule to protect the trails from damage during periods of high rainfall. The designated routes are typically open from the first Friday of March through October 31st. There are also two special holiday periods for OHV use: three days before Thanksgiving through two days after, and from December 22nd through January 2nd.

All opening dates are dependent on weather conditions. The trails can close at any time if heavy rain occurs or is predicted. For the most up-to-date information, contact the Mena-Oden Ranger District at (479) 394-2382. You can also check the "Alerts" section of the Ouachita National Forest website for real-time information on closures due to road maintenance, weather, or natural disasters.

Mapping and Navigation

Accurate navigation is crucial in the dense Ouachita National Forest, where cell service can be limited. The U.S. Forest Service provides an official trail map for the Wolf Pen Gap Trail Complex through the Avenza Maps app. This digital map is highly recommended as it uses your phone's GPS to track your real-time location, even without a cell signal.

Another valuable resource is the off-highway vehicle map created and sold by the Ouachita ATV Club. This map showcases hundreds of miles of surrounding forest and county roads that are legally accessible to riders, giving you a broader picture of the riding opportunities in the area.

Local Services and Resources

Mena serves as a convenient hub for all the essential services a rider might need before or after a trip to the trails.

Gasoline: Most ATVs can run all day on a single tank of gas. If you need to refuel, a major gas station like Exxon-SUPER STATION MENA is conveniently located at 901 Hwy 71 N, Mena, AR 71953.
OHV/UTV Rentals: For guests who do not bring their own vehicles, several local businesses offer rentals.

Rental Details

Wolf Pen Gap ATV Rentals

1167 Polk County Rd 61, Mena, AR 71953 (1.2 miles from the North Trailhead)
3- and 6-seater Can-Am Defenders
Starts at $295 for a 3-seater

Sugar Creek

135 Polk Road 602, Mena, AR 71953
Rangers, Kawasaki Teryx4s, and electric bikes
Ranger starts at $350/day

Explore the Mena Area

Mena and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains offer a wide array of activities and attractions for all types of travelers.

Dining in Mena

After a day of adventure, guests can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in Mena. Options range from classic American fare to international cuisine. Recommended eateries include Branding Iron BBQ & Steakhouse, Chopping Block Steakhouse & Seafood, Papa Poblano’s Mexican Restaurant, and Skyline Cafe, among others.

Exploring the Outdoors

The Wolf Pen Gap Trails are just one part of the area's rich outdoor recreation landscape. The region's geography is defined by the Ouachita Mountains, which are bisected by the Talimena National Scenic Byway. This 54-mile drive is a journey across the mountaintops, offering some of the most spectacular vistas in the state and serving as a central artery connecting many of the region’s key attractions.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park: Located atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second-highest peak, the park is home to the historic Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, often called the "Castle in the Sky". The park offers breathtaking panoramic views, a restaurant, a gift shop, and several hiking trails, including the scenic Lovers' Leap Trail. The lodge and gift shop are open 24 hours a day, year-round, while the restaurant and campground have seasonal hours.
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area: Often referred to as the "Arkansas Grand Canyon," this park protects 12 miles of a National Wild and Scenic River. The Cossatot Falls section is a rocky canyon with Class IV rapids for expert kayakers, while other areas provide calmer waters for swimming and fishing. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the River Corridor Trail and the Brushy Creek Trail.

Unique Local Experiences

For those seeking a more unusual adventure, Mena offers several unique local attractions.

Board Camp Crystal Mine: The Ouachita Mountains are a famous hub for quartz crystal formations. At the Board Camp Crystal Mine, visitors can dig for their own crystals and keep what they find. The mine is family-friendly, with kids under 16 digging for free. The mine also offers "UnXplained Tours" for those interested in the area's folklore, which includes stories of strange phenomena, potentially involving Bigfoot or aliens. The mine is open seasonally from late February through October.
Blue Zipline and Farm: Located on a historic, working cattle ranch, this adventure destination offers a thrilling zip line canopy tour. The farm is about 15 minutes from Mena and provides a family-friendly way to see the Ouachita Mountains from a unique perspective.

A Guide to the Wolf Pen Gap Trail System