Hiking Black Fork Mountain Wilderness Trail (OK) The trail leads you into the wilderness and offers beautiful panoramic views in every direction. A day hiker or an overnight backpacker may enjoy spectacular views of Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Rich Mountain Fire Tower, and the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The trail traverses historic sites dating from the late 1800s to 1940 where pioneers once settled. The trail also features unusual geology and vegetation. Directions From US Hwy 59/270 (Mountain Gateway Scenic Drive) in Page, OK; Turn north on Big Creek road. There is a wilderness sign at this interesction indicating the direction to the Black Fork Mountain Trailhead. Proceed 2 miles to the trailhead entrance. Emerald Point Vista (OK) Appropriately named for the emerald green haze typically found upon this part of the Ouachita Mountains. Pull out your sack lunch and stay awhile. Walk off lunch on the neighboring Mountain Top Trail or the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Directions Go south on US Hwy 259 to SR 1 turn west for about 1.5 miles. The vista is just beyond Winding Stair Campground. Kerr Nature Center (OK) Located at the Kerr Nature Center on the Talimena Scenic Drive, three interpretive trails feature a variety of plants which are identified by trail signs. The interpretive signs tell fascinating stories of how a tree competes with other forest inhabitants for survival, help explain the process of soil formation and its importance in the forest life cycle, and help to experience the variety of ecological areas that exist on Rich Mountain. Directions Take US Hwy 259 to SR 1. Turn west for about 1.5 miles Ouachita National Recreation Trail
This trail parallels the entire length of the Talimena Scenic Drive and provides hiking and backpacking opportunities for the Byway traveler at almost any point. There are many other trail systems that intersect the Ouachita National Recreation Trail providing for a variety of loop-hike opportunities in various locations. Directions From the US Highway 59/270 and US Highway 259 junction, proceed south on US 259 for 7 miles to the trailhead junction. Signs are posted on the highway.
