photo of Off the Beaten Path

Choctaw Country Destinations

By Christian Toews
From the June 2021 Biskinik

Are you looking for an outside-the-box adventure that is sure to thrill? Look no further than experiencing southeastern Oklahoma in an off-road vehicle. All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and the larger Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) are a fun and unique way to access remote parts of Choctaw Country. These off-road vehicles allow you to explore areas that your traditional vehicle can’t handle, and it’s a different experience—climbing over rocks, traversing muddy spots, or making your way up steep inclines. These vehicles offer a chance to experience a little more of the unknown.

You might not know that one of the largest ATV and UTV retailers in North America is right here in Choctaw Country. Antlers Motorsports in Antlers, Oklahoma, offers everything ATV and UTV related. Jeff Lucas is an employee at Antlers Motorsports and an off-road vehicle enthusiast. He said that sales of ATVs and UTVs have increased drastically over the past year.

“Right now, we are low on ATV and UTV inventory because we are selling so many that they are sold before they even make it off the truck,” said Lucas.

According to Lucas, there is an off-road vehicle for every type of rider.

“You can find something no matter what type of riding you enjoy,” he explained.

Maybe you want to get in a side-by-side UTV with your family and drive up to a scenic location and have a picnic, or you like to get muddy on a high-powered four-wheeler. Perhaps you want a UTV that will allow you to access places that a traditional vehicle can’t take you. The off-road industry has a vehicle for everyone to enjoy.

UTV fun

According to Lucas, there are many great places to ride an ATV or UTV in southeast Oklahoma. Two of the most popular locations are Pine Mountain ATV Park in Rattan, Oklahoma, and Billy Creek Recreation Area near Talihina, Oklahoma.

Pine Mountain offers over 1,700 acres of wooded trails, rock formations, creeks, and campgrounds in the Kiamichi Mountains.

Billy Creek Recreation Area has many trails to explore and even connects to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which is 225 miles, according to USDA.gov.

Another area that many people explore on ATVs and UTVs is the Hochatown, Oklahoma area. Russell and Carrie Adams own Captain’s Hideaway Powersports Rentals. They offer Jeep and UTV rentals from their location near Hochatown. Carrie said that exploring the area in a UTV is a great way to see things you wouldn’t usually see.

“We encourage people to go into the trails and see a part of Broken Bow that’s off the beaten path. It’s a great way to get out and see wildlife and scenery that you won’t see any other way,” she said.

Carrie also mentioned that it could be an excellent way to spend some quality family time away from electronics and experience the outdoors. She said that Captain’s Hideaway Powersports Rentals offers maps and guides for anyone who wants to explore the area in their own off-road vehicle. You can find more information, including availability and pricing, at their website.

You might be a seasoned off-road enthusiast, or maybe you have never felt the adrenaline rush of powering down a trail in a UTV. No matter what your skill level or interest, Choctaw Country has something to offer you. Get muddy, enjoy some family time, and explore some of southeastern Oklahoma’s beautiful country.