Wilton Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wilton Mountain |
|
|---|---|
Wilton Mountain, Le Flore county, Oklahoma.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,543 ft (775 m) |
| Geography | |
 Wilton Mountain
Location in Oklahoma
|
|
| Location | Le Flore County, Oklahoma, United States |
| Topo map | USGS Page, OK |
Wilton Mountain is a notable peak found within the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. It's part of the Ouachita Mountains and is located in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. This mountain stands tall at about 2,543 feet (or 775 meters) above the average sea level. It's pretty easy to find, being only about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from U.S. Route 59 and roughly 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) west of the Arkansas state line.
Contents
What is Wilton Mountain?
Wilton Mountain is a specific point, or summit, in a range of mountains. When we talk about a summit, we mean the very top of a mountain. This mountain is a natural landform that rises high above the surrounding area. It's a great spot for enjoying nature and seeing amazing views.
Where is Wilton Mountain Located?
Wilton Mountain is found in the southeastern part of Oklahoma. Specifically, it's in Le Flore County. This area is known for its rugged and scenic landscapes. The mountain is quite close to the border between Oklahoma and Arkansas. This means it's part of a larger natural region that stretches across both states.
Close to the Arkansas Border
Being near the Arkansas state line makes Wilton Mountain part of a bigger natural system. The Ouachita Mountains themselves extend into Arkansas. This shared geography means that the plants, animals, and even the types of rocks found around Wilton Mountain are similar to those across the border.
The Ouachita National Forest
Wilton Mountain is located inside the Ouachita National Forest. A national forest is a large area of land that is protected and managed by the government. The main goal is to keep the forests healthy and available for everyone to enjoy. This includes protecting wildlife, plants, and water sources.
What is a National Forest?
National forests are like huge outdoor classrooms and playgrounds. They are managed for many uses, such as timber production, water quality, and recreation. People can visit national forests for hiking, camping, fishing, and just enjoying nature. The Ouachita National Forest is one of the oldest and largest national forests in the southern United States.
Activities in the Forest
Because Wilton Mountain is in a national forest, there are often many activities you can do nearby. While specific trails to Wilton Mountain might vary, national forests generally offer opportunities for:
- Hiking on marked trails
- Camping in designated areas
- Wildlife watching
- Photography of natural scenes
The Ouachita Mountains
Wilton Mountain is part of the Ouachita Mountains. These mountains are unique because they run east to west, which is different from most mountain ranges in the United States that run north to south. They are an ancient mountain range, meaning they formed a very long time ago.
How the Ouachita Mountains Formed
The Ouachita Mountains were formed by powerful forces within the Earth's crust. Over millions of years, huge pieces of the Earth's surface, called tectonic plates, slowly pushed against each other. This immense pressure caused the land to fold and uplift, creating the mountains we see today. This process is similar to how a rug wrinkles when you push it from both ends.
Unique Features of the Ouachitas
The Ouachita Mountains are known for their rugged beauty. They have steep ridges and narrow valleys. The forests here are mostly made up of pine and hardwood trees. The mountains are also home to many different kinds of animals, including deer, black bears, and various bird species.
Measuring Wilton Mountain's Height
Wilton Mountain stands at 2,543 feet (775 meters) above mean sea level. This measurement tells us how high the mountain is compared to the average level of the ocean. It's a standard way to compare the heights of different mountains around the world.
Understanding Elevation
Elevation is the term we use to describe how high a place is above sea level. When you hear that Wilton Mountain is 2,543 feet high, it means that if you were standing on the very top, you would be that many feet higher than the average ocean surface. This makes it one of the higher points in its local area.
