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Oklahoma
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Oklahoma State Parks

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Oklahoma
Southeast Region
Talimena State Park
Talimena State Park Scenic Highway © Paul Brian Photography.com
Talimena Highway
Keep On Leash © stateparks.com
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TALIMENA STATE PARK
TALIMENA STATE PARK
50884 U.S. 271
Talihina, Oklahoma   74571
(lat:34.785 lon:-94.953) map location

Phone: 918-567-2052
Email: park email button icon
Use Talimena State Park as the base for your hiking, biking or ATV adventure in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest.

Talimena State Park marks the Oklahoma entrance to the Talimena Scenic Drive - 54 miles of winding road through the Ouachita Mountains, and known for spectacular spring and fall foliage. Hiking and backpacking trails offers a wide range of scenic, wooded terrain. Dirt bikes and ATV's are permitted in the park as an entrance point to the National Forest Lands. Talimena State Park offers facilities for picnics and camping, including tables, a group shelter, RV hookups with electric/water, tent campsites, playground, hiking trails, and comfort station with showers.
History of the Area
Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the park was established to serve as a gateway for the Talimena Scenic Drive. It's situated on 20 acres of land and offers various recreational activities including hiking and camping.

The area is known for its stunning fall foliage which attracts tourists from all over during autumn months. The scenic drive it connects to spans 54 miles through the Ouachita National Forest, offering breathtaking views throughout.

Over time, facilities have been added such as picnic areas and RV sites making it more accessible for visitors year-round.

Area residents have long known about this great destination, and many others are discovering this hidden gem in Talihina, Oklahoma....more



Picnicking
Talimena State Park offers picnic tables and grills, perfect for a family outing. Enjoy your meal amidst beautiful scenic views.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can explore the Ouachita National Forest, but should be aware of steep and challenging terrains.

Mountain biking trails are available for experienced riders; caution is advised due to rocky paths.

The park's scenic byway offers a 54-mile cycling route with breathtaking views, yet it has sharp turns requiring careful navigation.

Biking along Winding Stair Mountain provides an adventurous experience but demands high endurance levels from cyclists.

Remember that safety gear like helmets and knee pads are essential when taking on these demanding routes.
Trails
1. Talimena Scenic Drive: This 54-mile trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains and valleys, with multiple overlooks for photo opportunities.

2. Boardstand-Old Military Road Loop Trail: A challenging hike that is approximately 22 miles long; it takes you through dense forests and past historical sites from the early settlement days in Oklahoma.

3. Earthquake Ridge Nature Trail: An easy to moderate level hiking path spanning around a mile, featuring diverse flora & fauna along with interpretive signs about local geology.

4. Panorama Vista Trails: These trails offer stunning vistas over Cedar Lake area at various points throughout its length which totals roughly three miles combined.

5. Horsethief Springs Hiking Trailhead - North End: The northern end of this popular looped trail spans nearly eleven miles round trip offering scenic forest landscapes as well as springs believed by locals to have healing properties.

6. Horsethief Springs Hiking Tailhead - South End: Similar to its north counterpart but slightly shorter at ten-miles round-trip distance showcasing beautiful woodland scenery alongside numerous creekside spots perfect for picnicking or resting during your trek.

7. Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area Trails System (Billy Creek): Comprising several interconnected loops totaling more than twenty-five miles suitable both for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips providing an immersive wilderness experience within mixed hardwood-pine ecosystems teeming with wildlife sightings potentiality including deer, squirrels among others species native to southeastern Oklahoma region.

8. Cedar Lake Equestrian Campground Horseback Riding Trial Network: Although primarily designed catering equestrians these multi-purpose paths also welcome hikers allowing them explore picturesque lake surroundings across varying distances depending on chosen route(s).
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species, including hawks and eagles. Trails offer opportunities for birding hikes throughout the year.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 5 Lost without a trail by Min_H
park review stars; one to five Do not take Military Trail. It got us lost. Had to hike straight up a precarious hill. Called 911. They said we were close to the highway. We climbed through a barbed wire fence and finally found the road. But we were far away from our car parked at the state park lot. Not a good experience. But is was pretty.
May 8 by John_H
park review stars; one to five
March 14 Great for Philmont training
park review stars; one to five Took our Philmont crew here for a shakedown. The terrain is similar to what they will exerience at Philmont. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful.
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Directions
Talimena State ParkHwy 271 NTalihina, OK 74571

7 miles N on Hwy 271.

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Oklahoma
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Oklahoma State Parks

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