The billing is based on the delineation between a hill and a mountain, that being if the geographical feature were 2,000 feet or higher than its base, then it would be classified as a mountain instead of a hill. However, the Geographic Names Information System listing does contain several summits with "hill" in their names which are higher than 2,000 feet. However, it would also be notable to mention that the British hiker Alfred Wainwright describes the difference between a hill and a mountain not to be by altitude, but by the topography of the feature. In example, to be considered a mountain; one would expect the shape of the feature to be steep and jagged along with the majority of the feature having rocky ground. Unlike the hill, that would have a far smoother outline, a flatter and longer peak, along with a larger mixture of rock and soil-type ground. It is important to note though that in some circumstances a hill could be composed mostly of rocky ground. This definition of a hill and mountain on the whole offers a more accurate description of the feature. Altitude is a factor, as the geographical processes for hills and mountains to occur in e.g. fold mountains, are unlikely to cause hills to be above a certain altitude.
Etymology
One source claims that the name is derived from a French word meaning "cave":. Oklahoma historian Muriel H. Wright wrote that cavanol is a corruption of the French word, meaning "cavernous."
History
Cavanal Hill was a notable landmark for French explorers who traveled this area in the 18th century and gave the landmark its name. During the late 1700s, French fur trappers established a camp at the base of Cavanal and named it Poteau, for "Post". Thomas Nuttall studied plant life here in 1819, and learned about other natural wonders from local French trappers and Indians who were living here. During territorial times Cavanal Hill was along the border of Skullyville County and Sugar Loaf County, two of the constituent counties making up the Moshulatubbee District of the Choctaw Nation. In the late 1800s, Walter Beard established a health resort at the summit of Cavanal Hill. This was a modest wood frame structure that catered to visitors in the area. Besides the view, the major draw was the natural springs that occur throughout the region. Half way up Cavanal Hill, George Witte established the town of Witteville. This was a coal miningcompany town. The mines were located three miles east of the town. Witteville is still marked on some maps, and can be found at the "Y" leading up to the top of Cavanal Hill. Much of the road leading up to the top of the hill was part of the original railroad that led to Witteville. In the 1960s, Senator Robert S. Kerr established a summer residence at the summit of Cavanal Hill. This summer house was located on the same site where Walter Beard first established his health resort.
Recreation
Cavanal Hill is now the site of mountain bike races and the Cavanal Hill Killer 5-Mile Walk. A blacktopped road leads to the summit where visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the Poteau River Valley. Reportedly, one can seeMount Magazine in Arkansas from here on a clear day.
