Talimena State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Talimena State Park — A 20-acre park at the western gateway to the Talimena National Scenic Drive (54-mile scenic byway) in the Ouachita Mountains of Le Flore County, Oklahoma — also the western terminus of the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail — featuring RV + tent camping (10 electric/water sites), stunning autumn foliage (peak: late Oct–early Nov), spring wildflowers, 15+ scenic overlooks (Choctaw Vista, Potato Hills Vista, Panorama Vista), ATV/dirt bike access into Ouachita National Forest, playground, comfort station with showers, and panoramic views of the highest peaks between the Appalachians + the Rockies.
Talimena State Park is where the Ouachita Mountains put on their finest show — sitting at the western end of the celebrated Talimena National Scenic Drive, a 54-mile byway that winds along the crest of some of the highest ridges between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. This intimate 20-acre park is also the western terminus of the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail, making it both a scenic basecamp and a serious trailhead for long-distance hikers.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Le Flore County, OK — near Talihina |
| Size | 20 acres — gateway park |
| Scenic Drive | Talimena National Scenic Drive — 54 miles (Talihina, OK → Mena, AR) |
| Long Trail | Western terminus — 223-mi Ouachita NRT |
| Foliage Peak | Late October – early November |
Camping
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| RV Sites | 10 sites — 30-amp electric + water hookups |
| Tent Sites | Designated tent camping areas |
| Amenities | Comfort station with showers, picnic tables, grills, playground |
| Reservations | Recommended — popular during foliage season |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Scenic Driving | Talimena Scenic Drive — 54 mi — 15+ overlooks — 1 hr 10 min without stops |
| Hiking | Ouachita NRT (223 mi) + Choctaw Nation Trail + Old Military Road |
| ATV/Dirt Bikes | Entry point into Ouachita National Forest |
| Mountain Biking | Multi-use trails in surrounding forest |
| Wildlife Watching | Ouachita Mountain wildlife — deer, turkey, songbirds |
| Wildflowers | Spring blooms along ridgelines + in forest |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is peak foliage on the Talimena Drive?
Autumn color along the Talimena National Scenic Drive typically peaks from the last week of October through the first week of November. The Ouachita Mountains’ mix of oaks, maples, and sweetgums produces vibrant reds, golds, and oranges. Weekends during peak foliage are very popular — book campsites well in advance.
Can I drive the scenic route in any vehicle?
Yes — the Talimena National Scenic Drive is a paved, well-maintained 54-mile highway suitable for all vehicles, including RVs and motorcycles. However, there are no gas stations or services along the route. Fill up before you go and bring water. The drive runs from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas.
