Hochatown State Park

Oklahoma (McCurtain County)

Tucked into the forested hills of McCurtain County in southeastern Oklahoma, Hochatown State Park sprawls across 1,713 acres of some of the most striking scenery the state has to offer. Established in 1966, the park sits within the Ouachita Mountains region, where towering pines, clear mountain streams, and the nearby Mountain Fork River create a landscape that feels more like the Ozarks than the Great Plains.

The park draws visitors year-round for hiking trails that wind through dense stands of shortleaf pine and hardwood forest, with terrain ranging from easy riverside walks to steeper ridgeline paths offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Fishing is a major draw — the Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow Lake supports a prized lower-mountain trout fishery, one of the few in Oklahoma. Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming round out the water activities, while the surrounding forest provides solid opportunities for birding and wildlife watching, including white-tailed deer and the occasional bald eagle.

Fall is arguably the best season to visit, when the hardwoods turn brilliant shades of red and gold against the evergreen backdrop — a rare sight in Oklahoma. Spring wildflower season runs a close second. Summers are warm and humid but manageable under the tree canopy, and mild winters keep the park accessible for off-season solitude.

The Hochatown area has grown into a popular cabin destination, so booking accommodations early is wise, especially for peak weekends in October and November.