Kerr Arboretum and Botanical Area

The Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum, Nature Center and Botanical Area (8,026 acres) is an arboretum and nature preserve in the Ouachita National Forest, near Talihina, Oklahoma, containing plant communities significant in their occurrence, variety, and location. It is bordered by U.S. 270-59 and Forest Road 6007 on the north and the Talimena Scenic Byway (east of U.S. 259) to the west and south.

The arboretum features dwarf white oaks, yellow buckeye, Ouachita indigo, and grass seeps. It is open for hiking, equestrianism, sightseeing, photography, nature study, bird watching, and hunting (area within the Nature Center's boundary excluded). Facilities include three short interpretive trails, flush toilets, drinking water fountain, the Pine Valley Trailhead, State Line Monument, and Castle Rock vista. No developed recreation facilities are found here, and there are few, if any, signs. Mountain bikes, hang gliders, and motorized vehicles are not permitted.

See also

* List of botanical gardens in the United States

The Kerr Arboretum and Nature Center sits between Honess, Spring and Coon Mountains. This interpretive complex serves as an outdoor laboratory designed to stimulate curiosity and develop awareness of the forest environment.

Facilities include a covered pavilion with exhibits, restrooms and drinking fountains. Of the three unpaved, interpretive trails, two are easy to walk and barrier free for those with physical limitations. The third trail climbs rugged Honess Mountain offering a greater physical challenge.

The arboretum and nature center is located in the Robert S. Kerr Botanical Area. This specially designated area contains a good representation of mixed pine/hardwood forests typical of the Ouachita Mountains. The forests within the botanical area are healthy, scenic, and showcase many of the species that inhabit the Ouachita Mountains.

PINE VALLEY TRAM - FOREST SERVICE ROAD 60259

At the western base of Rich Mountain is forest service Road 6029. This road travels part of the historic route taken by the Pine Valley Tram as it made its way up the south side of the pass between Spring and Rich Mountains. The road ends at Pipe Spring, a small roadside picnic area on Highway 259.

In the 1920s, a thriving lumber town called Pine Valley developed in the Kiamichi valley. The Oklahoma Rich Mountain Railroad constructed the 15- mile spur over Rich Mountain to the new, state-of-the-art sawmill built by the Dierks company. The tram line carried logs to the mill and lumber from the mill to Page on the north side. At Page, cargo was transferred to the Kansas City Southern for transport to northern markets. Residents rode the passenger car on the tram line, making the connection in Page, usually traveling on to Mena, Arkansas, for shopping and socializing.

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