The Ouachita
Mountains were at one time a westward extension of the Appalachians.
Therefore the plants of the Ouachita National Forest are similar
to the eastern deciduous forest. Both geographically and climatically,
the area may be considered a meeting ground of several biomes or
plant formation. These include plants which can be found in the
northwest U.S., the southwest U.S., the Gulf Coastal Plain and the
Gulf Costal Highlands, and the prairie states.
The Ouachita Mountains are different from most mountain ranges.
The ridge line runs predominantly east-west rather than north-south.
The east-west directional trend gives rise to distinct north slope
and south slope plant and animal communities.
South slopes are occupied by shortleaf pines in almost pure stands
or in mixed pine-hardwood forests. Common hardwood trees occupying
the southern exposures are post oak, blackjack oak, black oak, southern
red oak (at lower elevations), black hickory, and winged elm, with
an under story of serviceberry, wild plum and fringe tree.
Trees near the mountain crests are dwarfed and gnarled due to the
constant pressure from prevailing south winds and the effect of
winter icing from frequent freezing fogs, mist and rain.
Dominant trees on the north slopes include white oak, northern red
oak, mockernut hickory, bitternut, black walnut, black locust, basswood,
sugar maple, red maple, and at lower levels, beech. Under story
trees include dogwood, pawpaw, Carolina silverbell, American bladdernut,
umbrella magnolia, Ohio buckeye, redbud and wild hydrangea. The
north slopes, in particular, are an extremely rich habitat for spring
wildflowers.
On the north slopes the soil is extremely rich, dark, and moist.
Rich Mountain derived its name from the unusually rich soil. One
story says that the mountain was at one time the roosting place
of vast numbers of passenger pigeons; their droppings contributing
to the fertility of the soil.
WILDLIFE
The Ouachita Mountains abound in a wide variety
of wildlife, including game and non-game species. The name "Ouachita"
is derived from an Indian work meaning "good hunting".
Many tribes used these mountains as seasonal hunting grounds and
today the Ouachita National Forest, including the area around the
Talimena Scenic Drive, provide valuable hunting opportunities to
the public. Deer, turkey, bear, quail, fix, and gray squirrels,
black bass, crappie, and bluegill are major game species native
to the area. Non-game species are considered and protected by forest
managers as well.
Along the north slopes of Rich and Winding Stair Mountains are many
rocky areas with deep pockets of leaf-mold and many fallen logs
in an advanced state of decay. These form ideal habitat for two
amphibians unique to the area: the Rich Mountain salamander and
the Ouachita Mountain redback salamander.
Bird life a abundant along the drive, especially the soaring birds.
Golden eagles are active in winter and spring; turkey vultures and
a few black vultures are permanent residents; and red-tailed and
red shouldered hawks are year round residents of the Ouachita National
Forest but are especially noticeable on the drive during migrating
periods. Strong updrafts and turbulence above the mountain entice
these birds to perform fascinating and entertaining aerial acrobatics.
During the past 25 to 30 years there has been a remarkable eastward
invasion by some western animals. Armadillos, coyotes, and roadrunners
are common. Black bears, through wildlife management efforts, are
making a strong comeback in the area.
