Cavanal Hill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cavanal Mountain
Cavanal Hill viewed from the southeast side
Highest point
Elevation	2,385 ft (727 m)
Prominence	1,775 ft (541 m)
Naming
Etymology	< French caverneux ("cavernous")
Geography
Cavanal Mountain Location in Oklahoma
Parent range	Ouachita Mountains
Topo map	USGS Cavanal Mountain

Cavanal Hill, officially known as Cavanal Mountain, is a famous landmark near Poteau, Oklahoma. A sign at its base proudly calls it the "'World's Highest Hill'". Its top is actually 2,385 feet (about 727 meters) above sea level. This makes it quite tall, especially when compared to the Poteau River nearby.

Is it a Hill or a Mountain?

You might wonder why Cavanal is called a "hill" when it's so tall. The sign at its base says it's the "World's Highest Hill" because of an old idea. This idea said that if a land feature was 2,000 feet or taller than its base, it should be called a mountain. If it was less than 2,000 feet taller, it was a hill.

However, many places in the United States have "hill" in their names, even if they are much taller than 2,000 feet. So, while Cavanal is officially a mountain, its nickname as the "World's Highest Hill" comes from this interesting old rule.

What Does the Name Mean?

The name Cavanal comes from a French word. Some people think it comes from caverne, which means "cave." Others, like Oklahoma historian Muriel H. Wright, believe it comes from caverneux. This French word means "cavernous," which describes something full of caves or hollow spaces.

A Look Back in Time

Cavanal Hill has a long and interesting history.

Early Explorers and Settlers

French explorers traveled through this area in the 1700s. They were the ones who gave Cavanal Hill its name. Later, in the late 1700s, French fur trappers set up a camp at the base of Cavanal. They named their camp Poteau, which means "Post" in French.

In 1819, a scientist named Thomas Nuttall came to study the plants here. He learned a lot about the local nature from the French trappers and Native Americans living in the area.

Cavanal Hill and the Choctaw Nation

During the time when this area was a territory, Cavanal Hill was an important landmark. It sat along the border of two counties within the Choctaw Nation. These were Skullyville County and Sugar Loaf County.

A Place for Health and Coal

In the late 1800s, a man named Walter Beard opened a health resort at the very top of Cavanal Hill. It was a simple wooden building for visitors. People came for the amazing views and the natural springs found in the region.

Halfway up the hill, a town called Witteville was built. This was a coal mining town, and the mines were a few miles east of it. You can still find Witteville marked on some maps. It's located where the road splits to go up to the top of Cavanal Hill. Much of the road you drive on today was once part of the railroad that went to Witteville.

Later, in the 1960s, Senator Robert S. Kerr built a summer home at the top of Cavanal Hill. It was on the same spot where Walter Beard's health resort used to be.

Fun Things to Do

Today, Cavanal Hill is a popular spot for outdoor activities.

• It hosts exciting mountain bike races.
• There's also a challenging event called the Cavanal Hill Killer 5-Mile Walk.
• A paved road, about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) long, leads to the summit.
• From the top, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Poteau River Valley.
• On a clear day, you might even be able to see Mount Magazine in Arkansas!