The old rock wall and entrance gate as well as
the spring structure build by enrollees from the civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) in the 1930s still remain. The site continues to serve
as a picnic ground with tables and restrooms available for visitors.
Interpretive signs reveal the rougher side of life in Indian Territory,
the origin of the spring's name, and the role of the Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC).
Horse Thief Trail, Ouachita National Recreation Trail and Billy
creek Trails can be accessed here. The Ouachita Trail, open to hikers
only, connects Equestrian Trail # 9 to Horse Thief Spring Trail
forming a 10 mile loop on the north slope of Winding Stair Mountain.
Traveling west one mile on the Ouachita Trail brings the hiker to
Horse Thief Trail which travels 5 miles down through the Homer L.
Johnston Management Area, to Holson Valley Road. Travel an additional
mile north to Cedar Lake or from Holson Valley Road, catch Equestrian
Trail # 9 and loop back 4 miles to Horse Thief Spring Historic Site.
More information on these trails is available at local Ranger Stations
and Visitor Information Stations.
