Beech Creek National Scenic Area

Beech Creek National Scenic Area
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Map showing the location of Beech Creek National Scenic Area
Location Le Flore County, Oklahoma, USA
Nearest city Heavener, Oklahoma
Coordinates 34°35′00″N 94°31′00″W / 34.58333°N 94.51667°WCoordinates: 34°35′00″N 94°31′00″W / 34.58333°N 94.51667°W
Area 7,500 acres (30 km2)
Established 1988, expanded and designated National Scenic Area 2007
Governing body U.S. Forest Service

Beech Creek National Scenic Area is a federally designated National Scenic Area within Ouachita National Forest near Big Cedar, Oklahoma, USA. The 7,500-acre (3,000 ha) scenic area is administered by the U.S. Forest Service. The scenic area includes 32 miles (51 km) of hiking trails, some on former roads. The original designated area, the Beech Creek Botanical Area, remains, conserving mature beech trees near the headwaters of Beech Creek.[1]

The National Scenic Area was established by Public Law 100-499, known as the "Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area and Wilderness Area Act", designating about 400 acres (160 ha) as the Beech Creek Botanical Area in 1988,[2] and was expanded and designated Beech Creek National Scenic Area in 2007.[3]

The trail system totals about 32 miles (51 km), with several different sections and varying degrees of difficulty for hikers:[4]

There are no restrooms along the trails nor are there any campsites. Motorized vehicles and either pack or saddle animals are prohibited on the trails. Mountain bikes are not prohibited, but may be difficult to use because the trails are very narrow.

References

  1. "Beech Creek National Scenic Area & Botanical Area". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  2. "Public Law 100-499". October 18, 1988. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  3. "Beech Creek National Scenic Area". Government Printing Office. p. 207. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  4. "Ouachita National Forest." Retrieved September 14, 2014.

External links