Scott County High Point Trip Report

Poteau Mtn (2,660+ ft)

Date: April 2001
Author: John Garner

Despite what Andy Martin's book says, this is a true twofer, with a single point. The summit crosses the edge of the two quads, so the "carry-over" is the same contour. By the way, I don't think this was a first ascent, but I never saw a trip report. You can reach it from the S or N; I went in from the N and came out from the S.

From OK 120 in Cameron, about 20 mi SE of Fort Smith, turn left into town; set your odometer. At 0.9 miles, the street ends at a T; turn right. At 5.5 miles, you reach OK 83; turn left. At mile 11.3, just past the Arkansas state line, see a paved road signed "West Hartford", turn right. The road curves around a bit, circling a hamlet. Stay left at mile 11.9. At mile 12.7, turn right on Poteau Mountain road, which climbs up into the mountains. The road turns to dirt at mile 15.6.

Drive up the increasingly rough road into the mountains, reach a junction at mile 18.0; make a sharp left. Follow this road until mile 22.7, where a short spur to the left will take you to the summit.

There is a bunch of radio equipment (of course) on the summit. Using my laser level, I found the highest point near the radio tower to the left. I never found the benchmark - it must have been disturbed when they built the towers.

A few notes about this one: 1) the road is kind of rough, but I made it to the top in a rented Taurus without a whole lot of trouble. You might prefer a 4WD or at least a higher clearance pickup. Lots of downed tree branches to dodge, lots of rocks - bottomed out a time or two. 2) I surprised a large wild tom turkey on the road up. He took his sweet time getting out of the way. Beautiful bird.