About midpoint on the Drive, 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.
