Why Talihina? (Neighbors, Scenery & History)

Talihina — pronounced tah-luh-HEE-nuh — grew up around the railroad and has Choctaw roots. Today it’s a low-key mountain gateway with rolling forested ridges, scenic drives, small-town shops, and genuine outdoors culture. If you want quiet, nature, and straightforward hospitality, Talihina delivers.

Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions

Talimena National Scenic Byway

The Talimena Drive is the region’s headline attraction: a scenic ridge-top roadway between Talihina, OK and Mena, AR with dozens of overlooks and excellent fall foliage. Bring fuel and water — services are limited on the road.

Ouachita National Forest & Kiamichi Mountains

Hiking, mountain biking, horseback trails, dispersed camping, hunting, wildlife watching, and photography — the forest is the region’s outdoor hub year-round.

State Parks & Lakes

Sardis Lake and nearby smaller lakes offer boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Talimena State Park and other nearby parks provide overlooks and trail access for day hikes and picnics.

Robbers Cave State Park & Heavener Runestone

Within driving distance you’ll find Robbers Cave State Park (caves and backcountry activities) and the Heavener Runestone park — good short stops for visitors exploring the region.

Local & Offbeat Attractions

Small, quirky stops (local museums, roadside attractions) make for fun detours — good for family-friendly photos and stories to remember.

Outdoor Activities (Month-by-month Notes)

• Spring & Summer: hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, paddling, birding, horseback riding.
• Fall: foliage drives — peak season for the Talimena Scenic Drive (book lodging early for October weekends).
• Winter: milder than northern states, cooler in the mountains — great for quiet off-season getaways.

Shopping, Dining & Local Businesses

Talihina’s downtown and surrounding area host boutique shops, local arts & crafts sellers, small diners and cafes, outfitters for fishing/hunting, and specialty gift shops. Feature local makers on the Chamber site and keep a current member directory or map so visitors know what’s open.

Tip: a “Shop Local” map on your site helps visitors quickly find hours, phone numbers, and directions.

Lodging — Where to Stay

Options range from small motels and cabins to RV parks and private rentals. Because Talihina is the gateway to the scenic byway and state parks, cabins and rentals fill fast during peak leaf season — include booking links and contact info on your lodging page.

Events & Local Happenings

Talihina hosts seasonal community events — local festivals, rodeos, parades, and Chamber activities. The Chamber events calendar should be the authoritative, embeddable source for upcoming events. Consider embedding the calendar so your website always shows fresh event info.