Ouachita Mountains-Wolf Pen Gap Survey

Crew chief Bob Sadler under a two-footed oak tree in the Ouachita National Forest's Wolf Pen Gap ATV trails.

The Ouachita National Forest streches from central western Arkansas to central eastern Oklahoma. Wolf Pen Gap is located in Polk County, Arkansas.

Novaculite, a type of chert formed by sediment of quartz and chalecdony, occurs in these mountains. Novaculite outcrops were brought to the surface when the mountains uplifted. Prehistoric people used it as a resource (see prehistoric tools below left). Historically, this resource was also mined. Mine entrances can be seen from some of the trails (see below right). Novaculite is still mined in the area; it is popular for use as sharpening stones and emery boards.