High angle view of Talimena National Scenic Byway, by Talimena State Park

They say good things come in small packages and that can totally apply to Talimena State Park.

At just over 20 acres in size it is one of the smallest of all 32 of Oklahoma’s state parks. But for those who enjoy immersing themselves in outstanding natural beauty, the incredible mountain scenery and gorgeous spring and fall landscape is well worth coming here for.

A beautiful spot for a picnic, the park is also a haven for adrenaline junkies who love to zoom around on ATV and dirt bikes. For those who enjoy hiking in the great outdoors, there are plenty of long trails to enjoy too.

Located roughly between two and a half and three hour drives from Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the park is an excellent place to reconnect with nature, as well as blow off some steam.

The standard of camping accommodation is good, although somewhat limited. But this just means you will get to enjoy your stay at the park in relative solitude. Which has to be a good thing.

Driving to Talimena State Park

Tucked away in Eastern Oklahoma, within Leflore County, in the Ouachita Mountains, the park is a fairly straightforward one to get to for those driving RVs and motorhomes.

Marking the start of the Talimena National Scenic Drive, the road spans one of the highest mountain ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies.

To enter the park you will need to get on to the National Scenic Byway. Which will take you along 54 spectacular miles of lush mountains, rolling hills, and dense woodlands which are utterly breathtaking.

Activities

Marking the entrance to the Talimena National Scenic Drive, the park takes through the Winding Stair Mountains, on a twisty paved round that comes into its own during spring and fall, when the colours are amazing.

A haven for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities like hiking, dirt bikes and ATV, here is what you can do at the park.

Fishing at Talimena State Park

There is no fishing available at Talimena State Park.

However, for those who want to cast a line, The Corps of Engineers Sardis Lake lies about 37 miles southwest of it and should offer decent crappie fishing.

Hiking at Talimena State Park

Throughout the park, there are several trails you can take which will allow you to explore its outstanding natural beauty.

Some of these trails include:

  • Ouachita Bohannon Trail – Length: 27.4 mile Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
  • Boardstand Trail – Length: 55 miles Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
  • Talimena State Park to Hell’s Hollow – Length: 12.6 km miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate

Biking at Talimena State Park

Underneath the soaring pine trees, which offer welcome shade from the piercing sun, you’ll find a good network of dirt-bike trails.

Cutting through the rocky and wooden terrain, some of these trails can be a challenge even for the most experienced of mountain bikers.

Overall there are about 28 miles of biking trails at your disposal. A few of which are double tracked, including the Choctaw Nation Trail.

Arguably the most popular, though challenging trail, is the 14-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail. It is a single track with several rocky patches that showcases incredible views of the Ouachita range.

Off-Roading at Talimena State Park

If you love to zip around on your ATV or dirt bike then you should enjoy plenty of opportunities to do so at the park.

As it is close to the highway, several ATV trails can take you to off-roading spots your regular RV or vehicle couldn’t.

Be sure to tackle the Old Military Road and Boardstand Road trails. Which feature enjoyable sections that include rocks, boulders and dirt segments, which you’ll have to navigate to get to some of the park’s most picturesque and scenic spots.

Picnicking at Talimena State Park

Picnicking is a very popular activity at the park, especially in fall, when the foliage colors are outstanding.

Against the backdrop of the Rockies and Appalachians, there are a nice selection of scenic picnic spots available around the dense woodlands.

Offering facilities like electric and water hookups, picnic tables, extra-large grills and clean bathrooms and showers, they provide you with everything you need to enjoy an al fresco dining experience.

Nature & Wildlife

The park is renowned for its breathtaking flora, which includes stunning maple, oak and pine trees, which perfectly complement the gorgeous wildflowers that carpet the area.

It also features a unique ecosystem that showcases a wide range of reptiles, small mammals and several species of birds.

Pets at Talimena State Park

Pets are allowed at the park, although restrictions may be in place. To find out where you can and cannot take your dog it is worth contacting the park’s main office for further details.

Camping at Talimena State Park

Overall, the Talimena State Park campground is a small one. Only offering 10 RV sites, which come with 30-amp electricity and water hookups. There are, however, plenty of suitable areas to put up a tent, which includes seven designated tent campsites, that are replete with pads. All of which can be reserved online.

To support this accommodation,, at the campground you will find a range of amenities such as a comfort station with flush toilets and hot showers, fire rings, a dump station and a playground.

There is also a small shop located on-site that sells basic food necessities, as well as camping gear, souvenirs and gift items.

Park Location

Talimena State Park
50884 Hwy 271
Talihina, OK 74571
Phone: 918.567.2052

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Talimena State Park: