Depending on the amount of rainfall, water can be a serious problem for tourists. Heavy rains can often lead to flash floods, making river crossings impassable, and droughts can often lead to long stretches of dry land. For the most part, hikers can expect to encounter a water source every 5-10 miles along the trail. However, there are usually two parts that hikers should prepare for:
From Talimena State Park (0 miles) to Big Kidar Creek (29.9 miles): Bohannon Creek (7.2 miles) and Horsetooth Springs (19.9 miles) are generally reliable, but can dry up. If they do, hikers have a 30-mile dry stretch. Fortunately, there are several good places to store water along the route: Deadman Gap, Holson Valley Shelter, and Winding Stair.
From Foran Gap (67.7 miles) to Big Brushy (94.5 miles): Only Tan-a-Hill Spring (74.2 miles) is considered reliable, but it is a low-flow spring located 0.3 miles from the OT. Occasionally, water can be found near Turner Gap Shelter (mile 79.8) downstream of the shelter in the creek bed. The best place to store water in this area is along Forest Road 76.
It is fairly common for hikers to place supplies or water caches along the OT. Trail Angels also often fill water caches and leave coolers with refreshments in various places, although you should not rely on this.
If you are preparing a cache, please make sure your cache is waterproof, has a label with your name and expected date of receipt, and is carefully packed so that odors do not attract animals. Of course, you always run the risk that someone or something will get to your cache before you do.
If you choose not to restock through the cache, there are some great places to restock:
The Queen Wilhelmina Lodge (mile marker 51) in Mena, Arkansas will store packages for you. They are also a great place to stop for their AYCE buffet and hot showers
The Bluebell Cafe and Country Store (121 miles) in Storey, Arkansas, was recently named one of their Top 20 Restaurants on America’s Long Distance Backcountry Trails and I can attest to that personally. Not only was the home-cooked food the best, but Lori knows the trail backwards and forwards and goes above and beyond to help hikers. There is also a motel nearby if you get into a food coma like I did.
Mount Ida, Arkansas is 28 miles south of the OT trailhead on Hwy 27. They have several motels, cottages, a laundromat, Dollar General, and a few restaurants if you feel like you need a zero day.