Information about Poteau, Oklahoma
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Places to stay in Poteau:
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There are lots of hotels in Poteau- these are the best in our opinion.
Best Western Traders Inn 918.647.3246
Days Inn 918.647.3510 Ask for the Jeepers Rate for a discount it's next door to the old Black Angus- Same owner
Kerr Conference Center 918.647.8221 (Outside of town, nice quiet place, pool, great views)
Wister Lake State Park 918.655.7206 or www.ReserveUSA.com (Tent and RV camping on the lake)
Where is Poteau?
Poteau is proud to say they have the "Highest Hill in the US"! Wheelin in Poteau is awesome! There are two main areas available. Cavanal Hill is the closest to town and Poteau Mountain is a short distance from the city of Poteau. Poteau is a place that you must use caution on the trails. The trails in this area are all extreme and are for experienced wheelers. They are bigger and longer than those in Clayton and we highly recommend having a winch (just in case of course). Poteau is a fair sized town complete with a Walmart for your trail supplies. Your chances of hooking up with fellow wheelers is pretty high in Poteau if that's your thing and not a bad idea if you are new to the area. Just go to the Black Angus Motel in the morning as that's the gathering place! You can also call "Sim's Body Shop" (weekdays) and if he can't wheel with you, he can find someone who will.
Some of the trails on Cavanal are "Panel Wagon" which is a steep climb with lots of off camber switchbacks and a couple "V" ditches. You'll know you're on Panel Wagon when you see the old 1960's Dodge Panel Wagon in it's final resting place. This trail has a couple bypasses for you when things get risky.
"Transfer Case" is another favorite on Cavanal but there is one spot that when the tree on the left lets go, it's gonna be bad. Don't be ashamed to use your winch for safety sake when a roll over is possible. No point in being a hero when one wrong move could be bad news.
"Grassy" and "Drive Shaft" are also great trails. "TV Cable" from the top has an awesome view of the town of Poteau. There is an old rock structure at the top that is a nice spot for lunch if you are with a group.
To get to Cavanal go South East out of town on the main street. At about the 4th light (there's a grocery store) watch for a sign for "Sim's Body Shop" and take a right there. Follow that road until it splits where there is a huge rock. At some point you'll cross the new highway here. Turn right onto the dirt road and follow past the old dumped cars on the left, go up the hill and around the corner till you find a spot to enter into the fields (a couple miles) then cross the fields, and follow along the tree line until you find the trail heads (there are three).
To get to Poteau Mountain go South out of town on the main street to the FORD dealership and take the new highway (59) South. Go a few miles to the first gas station on your left and turn left here. (Trailer parking has always been ok for us here) or once you've turned left go on down to the next gas station (on your right a few miles) and park your truck and trailers here. At the gas station (which is closed off and on) take a right and follow about another mile. At a sharp corner to the right there will be a steep drop off dirt road to the left. That's the turn off the pavement you want. Go on the dirt road and pick a trail.
Trails on Poteau mountain are "8 Seconds", "Snowball", Roller Cam", "Washout", "Waterfall", "Battery Cable" and "No Mercy".
Enjoy, these are great trails! As always wheel with caution!