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The Atlas/Oklahoma/Poteau to Ouachita Forest — US-59

Poteau to Ouachita Forest — US-59

102 mi
Length
4
Verified stops
1,420 ft
High point
Scenic
Road type

US-59 south of Poteau in Le Flore County winds into the Ouachita National Forest, passing Cavanal Hill — at 1,999 feet billed as the world's highest hill (one foot short of official mountain classification). The highway descends through forested hollows and ridge cuts before connecting to the Talimena Byway (OK-1) to the west. Multiple motorcycle touring sources characterize this stretch as 'one of the most motorcycle-friendly stretches of highway in the country' for its combination of fast sweepers, elevation change, and near-total absence of commercial traffic through the national forest.

// Mile by mile

What you'll hit along the way.

Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.

Mile 5.0

Brent

A quiet starting-point community just south of Poteau where US-59 begins its southward run.

Mile 40.0

Rocky Mountain

A notable peak near the midpoint of the route offering elevated views of the Ouachita highlands.

Mile 80.0

Watts

A small Arkansas River valley town that serves as a convenient fuel and rest stop before the state line.

Mile 95.0

Flint

A rural community near the Ouachita National Forest boundary marking the end of this stretch of US-59.

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