Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area |
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 Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area
Location in the United States
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| Location | Le Flore County, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Talihina, Oklahoma |
| Area | 26,445 acres (107.02 km²) |
| Established | October 18, 1988 |
| Governing body | United States Forest Service |
| Website | http://www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita |
The Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is a special place in Oklahoma where people can enjoy nature. It is part of the larger Ouachita National Forest. This area was set aside by the United States government to protect its beauty and offer fun outdoor activities for everyone.
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Discover Winding Stair Mountain Recreation Area
This amazing recreation area covers about 26,445 acres (which is about 107 square kilometers) of land. It includes the beautiful Winding Stair Mountains themselves. You can find several campgrounds here, a lake that is about 85 acres (34 hectares) big, and many trails for hiking.
Where is Winding Stair Mountain?
The Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is mostly located in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. A well-known road called State Highway 1 cuts right through the middle of the area. This highway is also known as the Talimena Scenic Byway because of its amazing views.
Another road, U.S. Highway 271, goes up to the very top of the mountain. The highest point of the highway is about 1,289 feet (393 meters) above sea level.
How Was It Created?
The Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area was officially created by the United States Congress on October 18, 1988. At the same time, two nearby wilderness areas, the Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness and the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness, were also established. This shows how important it was to protect these natural spaces.
Fun Things to Do
There are many exciting activities you can do at Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area. One of the most popular is hiking. A long section of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) long, goes right through the recreation area. This trail offers different kinds of hiking experiences for all skill levels.
Other fun things to do include camping under the stars, fishing in the lake, and hunting in designated areas. For those who love adventure, hang-gliding is also an activity enjoyed here, offering a unique way to see the mountains from above.
