Talimena State Park - United States
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About Talimena State Park
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Best time to visit Talimena State Park
Late September through early November is the top window, when cooler air, lower humidity, and peak fall color along the Talimena Scenic Byway draw leaf-peepers. Spring, from late March into May, is a close second for wildflowers and mild temperatures. Summer hiking can be hot, with temperatures climbing into the 90 to 100 F range, so RVers should plan early starts and carry plenty of water. Winter is generally quiet with occasional ice storms that can temporarily close mountain sections of the byway.
Cold nights; occasional ice can close mountain byway sections.
Winter storms possible; byway may briefly close after ice events.
Early spring wildflowers begin; variable weather.
Thunderstorm season begins.
Peak wildflower season; watch for severe storms.
Hot and humid; ticks and chiggers active.
Hottest month; run A/C and hydrate.
Hot; afternoon thunderstorms possible.
Cooler evenings; good shoulder-season travel.
Peak fall color along the Talimena Scenic Byway; busiest month.
Mild days, cool nights; color fades by late month.
Quiet season; occasional winter storms can briefly close the byway.
Things to do at Talimena State Park
- Drive the Talimena National Scenic Byway EasyRV parking available
The Talimena Scenic Byway is a 54-mile drive that runs east from the park along the crests of Winding Stair and Rich Mountains to Mena, Arkansas. The road offers panoramas of the east-west ranges of the Ouachita Mountains as it winds along the spine of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain. Frequent paved pull-offs and vistas have room for RVs to stop and take in the views. fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/recreation/talimena-national-scenic-byway
- Hike the Ouachita National Recreation Trail ModerateRV parking available
The Ouachita National Recreation Trail begins at Talimena State Park and runs 192 miles east across the Ouachita National Forest. Elevations range from 600 to 2,600 feet as the trail passes through forested mountains, across sweeping valleys and near clear-running streams. Day hikers can sample short out-and-back sections from the park trailhead. fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/recreation/trails/ouachita-national-recreation-trail
- Emerald Vista and Winding Stair Campground EasyRV parking available
Emerald Vista, adjacent to Winding Stair Campground about 25 miles east of the park, is a signature overlook along the byway. Emerald Vista, north of the campground, boasts a birds-eye view of the Ouachita National Forest from atop the Scenic Byway. The campground has paved spurs suitable for smaller RVs and trailers. fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/recreation/winding-stair-campground
- Mountain Top Trail EasyRV parking available
Mountain Top Trail is a short loop hike off the Talimena Scenic Drive near Winding Stair Campground. The length varies from 0.9 to 1.7 miles and the trail is unsurfaced. About three-quarters of a mile from the trailhead, hikers can reach an overlook where rocks and boulders form a point showcasing Holson Valley and the Talimena Scenic Drive. fs.usda.gov/recarea/ouachita/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=10767&actid=24
- Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum and Nature Center EasyRV parking available
The arboretum is a Forest Service interpretive site along the byway east of the park. The scenic drive also offers historical sites, camping, picnicking, Visitor Information Stations, and the Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum and Nature Center and Botanical Area. Short interpretive trails introduce Ouachita Mountain plant communities. fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/regions/southern/TalimenaScenicDrive/index.shtml
- Billy Creek Recreation Area Moderate
Billy Creek is a small forest campground and trailhead south of the byway near Big Cedar. The camping area lies along a small stream that provides a great spot to fish for sunfish in the small pools, and Billy Creek Trail starts here and climbs to the top of Winding Stair Mountain. The access road is narrow, so check conditions before bringing a large rig. fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita/recreation/billy-creek-recreation-area
- Wildflower and wildlife viewing EasyRV parking available
Spring and early summer bring dense wildflower blooms to the north slopes of Winding Stair and Rich Mountains. The north slopes are an extremely rich habitat for spring wildflowers like green trillium, fire pinks, spiderworts, mayapple, bloodroot, wild geranium, common blue phlox, rue anemone, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Stay alert for occasional snakes and use insect repellent to keep ticks and chiggers away. fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/regions/southern/TalimenaScenicDrive/index.shtml
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RV Rentals Talimena State Park
Talimena State Park, OK, United States
How to get to Talimena State Park
The park sits along US Highway 271 about eight miles east of Talihina, Oklahoma, roughly a 3 to 3.5 hour drive (about 180 miles) from Oklahoma City and about 2.5 hours from Tulsa. From Fort Smith, Arkansas the drive is about 1.5 hours south via US 271. RVers should note that US 271 and the adjoining Talimena Scenic Byway (Oklahoma Highway 1) climb steep mountain grades with tight curves, frequent pull-offs, and fog in unsettled weather, so large motorhomes and towables should descend in low gear and watch for slow traffic at vistas. The nearest major airport for fly-and-rent trips is Fort Smith Regional Airport, with Tulsa International and Oklahoma City's Will Rogers airports offering more flight options.
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