Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness is located in southeastern Oklahoma and offers visitors a stunning natural setting rich in biodiversity and recreational opportunities.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is characterized by its rugged landscapes, pristine rivers, and diverse plant and animal species. Here is a summary of the area's attractions, interesting facts, and the best time to visit, verified through multiple independent sources.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Natural Beauty: The Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness boasts breathtaking scenery, including rolling hills, dense forests, and clear rivers. It provides an idyllic setting for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers.
2. Outdoor Activities: The wilderness area offers various recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and kayaking. Visitors can explore trails that wind through diverse ecosystems and enjoy the serenity of the unspoiled nature.
3. Wildlife Watching: The region is home to an array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, black bears, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities to observe and photograph these animals in their natural habitats.
Points of Interest:
1. Kiamichi River: The wilderness area is centered around the Upper Kiamichi River, a beautiful waterway that meanders through the landscape. The river provides excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
2. Tall Timbers Trail: This scenic trail, approximately 6 miles long, showcases the area's diverse flora and fauna. It takes hikers through different habitats, including forested areas, open meadows, and riverbanks.
3. Winding Stair Mountain Range: Located adjacent to the wilderness area, the Winding Stair Mountain Range offers stunning panoramic views and additional recreational opportunities. It features challenging hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Interesting Facts:
1. Designation: The Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness was designated as a wilderness area by the U.S. Congress in 1988, aiming to preserve its natural and scenic values.
2. Size and Location: The wilderness area encompasses approximately 9,754 acres and is situated within the Ouachita National Forest in southeastern Oklahoma.
3. Plant Diversity: The region is known for its rich plant diversity, including diverse hardwood forests, pine stands, and unique plant communities adapted to the area's specific ecological conditions.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness is generally during the spring and fall seasons when temperatures are mild, ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). These seasons offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and provide opportunities to witness the vibrant colors of blooming wildflowers or fall foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winters may bring colder temperatures and occasional snowfall.
It is always advisable to check with local authorities, such as the Ouachita National Forest Service, for up-to-date information on weather conditions, trail availability, and any necessary permits or regulations before planning a visit to the Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Black Fork Mountain Wilderness
Robert S. Kerr National Botanical Area
Beech Creek National Scenic Area and Botanical Area
Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area