On top of Mt. Kiamichi

Pahaska · 09-09-2002, 11:24 AM

My trip to Eureka Springs took me through the beautiful eastern Oklahoma mountains. The biggest climb was Mt. Kiamichi. I took this photo from the base of the monument at the top of the mountain.

Semis are supposed to pull off here to cool their brakes before descending, but they all rolled right past while I was there. The clmb up the mountain looked a lot worse on the contour charts than it turned out to be. I shifted down one on the descent and needed very little brake use to get down.

This is a neat route and is probably the way I'll go to Eureka Springs from now on.

Pahaska · 09-09-2002, 11:29 AM

Here's the monument on top of Mt. Kiamichi. The "3 sticks" probably have a Native American meaning, but there was no plaque to explain the name.

Pahaska · 09-09-2002, 11:41 AM

I should hav mentioned that I took US 259 north from the Longview, TX area. The Texas portion was wide and smooth. When I crossed the Red River into Oklahoma, the first miles were pretty bad (rough, narrow, and curves) until I reached Idabel. From there, north, the roads were very good.

From Poteau, I swung over to Sallisaw since I was going to the Cherokee Land Airstream Park. On the way south, I took I-540 and US 271 through Fort Smith to Poteau to rejoin the route.

InsideOut · 09-09-2002, 11:42 AM

Looks pretty there...what's the elevation?

Shari

Pahaska · 09-09-2002, 12:42 PM

About 2500'. Not real high, but it looked a lot more serious on a contour map. Actually, it was a nice climb at 3500 rpm and about 55 mph. On the map, it is just a short way north of Smithville, OK. Just look for the switchback on the road map.

The mountains are really pretty and are very unspoiled by man. Next year, I want to hit some of the many OK State Parks in that area.