Caney Creek Wilderness is a 14,460-acre protected part of the Ouachita National Forest near Mena in western Arkansas and the first wilderness area designated in the state, in 1975. In the rugged south-central Ouachita Mountains, Caney Creek and the Cossatot River shape a landscape of steep ridges, clear streams, and dense forest. Its high rainfall and sheltered valleys support unusual biodiversity, including old-growth bottomland forest, unlogged woodland, rich creek habitats with 29 endangered species, rare Appalachian mixed mesophytic forest, and the critically imperiled maple-leaf oak. Known for clean air, water, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, it is also a major destination for hiking and scenic recreation.