The Ouachitas are located in the western part of the state. Long, narrow ridges that run from east to west characterize this region. Within its boundaries lie the communities of Hot Springs, part of Little Rock and Mena. Near Mena is Rich Mountain, the second tallest mountain in the state. Sandy soil allows pine trees to grow on the south slopes of the Ouachita's and hardwoods grow on the north faces. Why? Because the sun shines on the southern slope and creates a warm, dry place for pines to grow. Hardwoods need cool, moist ground. The valleys of the Ouachita's often support mixed forests of hardwood and pine.

Like the Ozarks, the first settlers in the Ouachita's were American Indians. The Caddo tribe had one of the largest villages in the area, where they grew gardens in the fertile soils of the Ouachita's. They used novaculite, a local rock to make arrowheads and tools. The region is one of the most productive crystal-producing areas on the continent.

Settlers to this area built railroads in order to haul pine logs for the timber industry and used the wide valleys for farming. Known for their healing effects, the thermal springs at Hot Springs drew large numbers of visitors to their bath houses in the late 1800s. The springs were visited first by American Indians thousands of years earlier.

Today, the Ouachita forest is used for the timber production and recreation. The Ouachita National Forest hosts hundreds of visitors each year. Tourists flock to visit the area.

Five crystal clear lakes, known as the "Diamond Lakes," lure tourists who love water and beautiful scenery. The largest, Lake Ouachita, offers a wilderness experience combined with the amenities of full-service resorts. Luxury houseboat rentals are available at Lake DeGray and Lake Ouachita. And at many locations, you can enjoy a round of golf after you've finished a morning fishing excursion. Rockhounds will also find themselves right at home at an unusual "crater" where you can search for real diamonds and keep any you find, or find quality quartz crystals at one of the mines found in the region.

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