Winding Stair Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Winding Stair Mountains |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,400 ft (730 m) |
| Geography | |
| Parent range | Ouachita Mountains |
The Winding Stair Mountains are a mountain ridge. You can find them in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. They are located just north of the town of Talihina.
Contents
What are the Winding Stair Mountains Like?
This mountain ridge is part of a bigger group of mountains called the Ouachita Mountains. These mountains are also part of an even larger area known as the U.S. Interior Highlands.
Some of the highest points in the Winding Stair Mountains reach about 2,400 feet (730 meters) above sea level. That's like climbing more than 400 stories of a tall building!
What Plants Grow Here?
The Winding Stair Mountains are home to many different kinds of trees. Some common trees you might see include:
Who Lived in the Winding Stair Mountains?
Long, long ago, from about 8000 B.C. to 1 A.D., groups of people called hunter-gatherers lived in this area. They moved around to find food and resources.
When the first Europeans arrived, the Wichita people were living in the region. Later, in the 1800s, the United States Government moved the Choctaw people from their homes in the southeastern states. This land then became part of the Choctaw Nation in what was called Indian Territory.
The mountains even served as a border between two areas within the Choctaw Nation: Sugar Loaf County and Wade County. The Choctaw government ended in 1906. Soon after, on November 16, 1907, Oklahoma became a state. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is still recognized by the government today.
Why Do People Visit the Winding Stair Mountains?
The Winding Stair Mountains are a popular place for tourists. Many people visit because there are special protected areas nearby.
What Protected Areas are Here?
Most of the Winding Stair Mountains are inside the Ouachita National Forest. This is a large forest managed by the government.
Inside this forest, there's a special place called the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area. President Ronald Reagan created this area in 1988. It covers about 26,445 acres, which is a huge space for nature and outdoor fun!
What is the Talimena Scenic Byway?
A famous road called the Talimena National Scenic Byway goes right through the Winding Stair Mountains. This road connects Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas. It was named a "National Scenic Byway" in 2005.
The byway travels through the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. Many people say it's one of the prettiest drives in the entire country! It goes along some of the highest peaks in the Winding Stair Mountains, offering amazing views. It's a favorite spot for many visitors.
