Talimena

Riders who say "Talimena" usually mean the motorized trails in the Oklahoma Ranger District of the Ouachita National Forest, along the Talimena Scenic Drive corridor in Le Flore and Latimer counties. The best-known dirt bike riding here is the Boardstand and Old Military Road trail system, listed by the Forest Service as an OHV trail. RiderPlanet describes it as about 23 miles of narrow, tree-covered singletrack, mostly hard-packed, with a few rocky spots and creek crossings. It follows part of the old military road built in 1832 through Holson Valley and the Indian Nations Scenic and Wildlife Area. It suits novice and intermediate riders best, with a bit for experts, and it is best in fall through spring.

RiderPlanet also lists a longer, roughly 45-mile linear route it calls the Choctaw Nation Trail, open to dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs, near Talimena State Park and Billy Creek. It is described as marked with orange and blue blazes, with some rocky, steep sections and several creek crossings. We could not confirm that route on a Forest Service page, so check the current Motor Vehicle Use Map before you plan a ride around it.

One rule matters on the Boardstand loop: the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which forms part of the hiking loop, is closed to motorcycles. Stay on the motorized trail marked with white rectangles.

Getting there

The Old Military Road trailhead area is off US Highway 271 south of Wilburton and north of Talihina. Take Oklahoma Highway 1 about a quarter mile east to the Old Military Picnic Ground, or take Holson Valley Road about 3 miles from US 271 to the other trailhead. The Forest Service notes several access points, and RiderPlanet says only two allow motorized use. Talimena State Park, on US 271 near the scenic drive, has a campground and is close to the trails. The nearest town is Talihina.

Fees, permits, and rules

Neither the Forest Service page nor RiderPlanet lists a riding or parking fee. Forest Service rules require you to ride only on roads and trails designated open to OHVs and to run a state-approved muffler or spark arrestor. RiderPlanet also reports a 96 dB sound limit. Recreational riding inside developed campgrounds is prohibited. RiderPlanet lists no camping or campfires at the Boardstand staging area, so plan to camp at a developed site. Talimena State Park campground takes reservations, and Billy Creek Recreation Area is a small tent-oriented forest campground. Check Oklahoma's current OHV and off-road registration rules before you go.

When to ride

The trail is open year-round. Fall through spring is the best window, before summer heat and undergrowth. Fire danger in the forest can be high in dry spells, and Oklahoma county burn bans may apply, so check the Forest Service alerts. For current conditions, call the Oklahoma Ranger District at (580) 494-6402.