As with many names, the origin of this one
has been lost. One tale is of a dead man found on the mountain near
this point. His identity and the circumstances of his death are
not known. Another tale recounts the story of a horse thief who
was caught and hung from an oak just east of here.
The overlook opens to a forested view of the Holson creek drainage.
Three interpretive signs discuss cultural and natural features.
Cavanal and Blue Mountains are in the distance. This is one of the
best places to see the contrasting plant communities created on
north and south facing slopes. The south facing slope are dominated
by shortleaf pines and the north facing slopes are dominated by
hardwoods (trees such as oaks and hickories that lose their leaves
in the fall).
DEADMAN ROAD - FOREST SERVICE ROAD 6010
Forest service Road 6010 begins a six mile
descent southward to Oklahoma Highway 63. The road is narrow and
steep, winding through pine and hardwood forests. Exposed bedrock
is a threat to tires so make sure your tires and your spare are
in good condition.
Boy Scout Camp Tom Hale is located on this road in a pine forest
setting on Bohannon Lake. This private facility is owned by the
Boys Scout of America and serves scouts from many states.
Just east of here on the Talimena Scenic Drive is the continuation
of this route over the mountain. This portion of Deadman Road descends
northward three miles to join the Holson Valley Raod. Geologic features,
locally known as rock glaciers, can be viewed from the roadside.
This route takes approximately twenty minutes to drive.
