Outdoor Fun and Adventure Along the Talimena Trail
Ouachita National Forest and Trail
Exploring the Ouachita National Forest could be done by plane, boat or automobile but perhaps is best appreciated on foot or mountain bike. The Ouachita Trail offers something for every adventurer. The 225 mile trail can be taken in short hops or as a multiple day hike with plenty of places to camp and have fun.
Area Lakes & Rivers
Several lakes in the region offer a full range of lake water sports. Lake Ouachita in Arkansas and Broken Bow Lake in Oklahoma are large, clear lakes surrounded by mountains and national forests. You can also enjoy Cedar Lake, Wister Lake and Sardis Lake in Oklahoma. Several other smaller area lakes offer great fishing and boating and the nearby Arkansas River system is home to national competition level bass fishing.
Equestrian Fun
Several Equestrian Camps and Ranches offer equestrians accessible day-use and overnight camping with facilities tailored to equestrians and their horses. Whether you bring your own horse or use one of theirs you will enjoy the well maintained and marked trails and enjoy the beauty of the Ouachita and Kiamichi Mountains.
Fishing
Fishing of all kinds is possible on several rivers and streams in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. Fish regularly caught in the area are rainbow and brown trout, bass, crappie, bream and catfish, northern pike and ocean stripers.
Hunting
The Ouachita Mountains abound in a wide variety of wildlife, including game and non-game species. The name "Ouachita" is derived from an Indian word meaning "hunting trip". Many tribes used these mountains as seasonal hunting grounds and today the Ouachita National Forest, including the area around the Talimena Scenic Drive, provide valuable hunting opportunities to the public. Game regularly hunted in Arkansas includes but is not be limited to: bear, crow, deer, dove, early migratory birds, elk, frog, beaver, bobcat, coyote, fox, skunk, opossum, otter, raccoon, quail, turkey, and various waterfowl. Oklahoma hunted game includes but is not limited to: antelope, bear, crow, dove, deer, pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, September teal, goose, and various other waterfowl. Non-game species are considered protected by forest managers.
Please consult each state’s regulatory agency for hunting and fishing.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
White Water Canoeing.
The Ouachita, Mountain Fork, Caddo and the Cossatot Rivers offer adventurous white water canoeing and kayaking as well as calmer floats. There is something for everyone for day trips or overnight adventures.
Robbers Cave State Park
A favorite of rappellers, cave explorers, equestrians and outdoor lovers, Robbers Cave enjoys notoriety as a former hideout for Jesse James and Belle Starr. Hidden in the San Bois Mountains, you'll find an abundance of lakes, wildlife and recreational activities.