talimena scenic byway

M1548NHsarahw

Spent a three day weekend on the byway camping, driving around, and exploring. Even though we had fog come and go, it was still beautiful. When the sun did shine and we hit a vista, you could see the hill covered trees and the valleys between them. We never actually made it to Mena, Arkansas but along the drive from Talihina to just pass the Queen Wilhelmina there were many outlets that let you explore the area. At one point we found an old settler's cemetery. Overall it was a really peaceful area and a nice place to relax.

ldeer_11

this drive starts on the east side of TALIHINA, oklahoma and ends in MENA, Arkansas or the other way thus the name of TALIMENA. It is mostly in the ouachita national forest and is 54 miles long on top of the mountain ridge but several highways branch off it. you can drive it in a little over an hour but if you stop at all the scenic look outs and historic sites you could spend most of a day. or you could book a room at the recently remodeled wilhelmina park lodge or camp in the park in your rv or tent. really beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn as well as the spring or summer. Mena, Arkansas has some neat stores and places to eat and stay as well. have driven this several times and always do this drive when in the area. who knew Oklahoma had mountains??

txveggiemama

Driving through the byway during the fall watching the leaves change colors was beautiful! Gas up before you go, there's not much of anything out there. Check the website to see prime times to visit for the best views. There are different routes and many places to pull out for photo ops! Bring your camera, put in some music and enjoy the ride.

CRAIGS530

We had our best time coming two days after a early snowfall, which we thought would be gone, The snow was still on the ground and road in the shady places and there were no traffic. The fall colors were beautiful, with the snow on the ground and sometimes across the road. We have been on this drive many times and this was the best by far! This was a once in a lifetime drive due to the fact that the road is closed in winter due to the winter weather and steep grades and turns.

waddyfarm

We drove this scenic route from Heavener area to Mena Arkansas and enjoyed every minute of our journey, late October and the fall colors were beginning but not at peak yet but that didn't matter to us Minnesota people as this drive was awesome and relaxing and we stopped to enjoy the vista views and marvel at Mother natures beauty. It was a perfect day sunny and warm.I'd return if we are back in this area again.

KarthikN_12

This year the colors are coming in late. Use this report to plan your trip ....http://www.travelok.com/fall_foliage_and_festivals

quail600

We drove the scenic route over the weekend hoping to see the fall colors. The color is not much more than green and brown this year. The history and vistas make the drive worthwhile, however. The watch tower was an easy climb and vast distances are visible in all directions. The road has many sharp curves and hills.

AlphaRam

My wife and I, along with a couple of our grandkids, went to the Talihina Fall Foliage Festival and Talimena Drive. Some of the foliage had changed, but we were too early. Also on this visit, there was a lot of haze in the valleys. Hopefully we will get some rain this week to clear the air for visitors this coming weekend.Around a mile east of Highway 259 is the Kerr Botanical Area. We stopped and hiked on one of the trails. I have never seen so many different colors and shapes of mushrooms. The trail was fairly flat and easy to hike. The hike was great for kids that are impatient with riding in the car.

timr0123

We just made our first drive on the Talimena Scenic Byway. We enjoyed it immensely. We started on the Mena side and stopped at all of the 26 overlooks. The fall colors were only starting to change, but were absolutely beautiful. We will be returning to this Byway in the future during the other season's too.

Slcleek

A great drive with many great viewing spots. Located on each side of the highway, there are many pull outs to stop and see the views on each side of the mountain. Some are views of the plains below, while others are tree filled vistas of other mountains. The leaves changing are spectacular. On the eastern end of the drive is Panoramic vista. This is the absolute do-not-miss turn out of the drive. It is a 240 degree view of 40 miles one way and 50 miles to the other. We been told that many come at night for an unimpeded view of the night sky. We have driven this drive three times. Once with fog, which was still beautiful. You are up high enough to feel in the clouds. We drove our motor home each time with no problems. Changing between gears was required, but we were also towing a 20ft trailer. Stop in at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park and visit their gift shop. Or stay the night if you take your Rv.

jpartain

There are the most beautiful views and vistas. take the time and make this trip and you will be pleased that you did

keldelaina

amazing views. lots of wild life. beautiful any time of year. Maybe there's a bigfoot? For sure lots of deer.

dillon88

So many beautiful scenes. If I were a painter, I would live there ; ) Winding highway with scenic turnoffs for viewing. Proud to have this slice of heaven in my home state.

Nkuchemprof

A beautiful drive that reminded us of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Maybe it was because it was midweek off season, but we seemed to have the road to ourselves most of the time. While the views were great, the facilities and pulloffs need some attention. On the Oklahoma side particularly, the stops and picnic areas need some help. Much of this is due to government cutbacks, but it is a shame to see.

Blueturtle1

We love to drive on this scenic byway. Don't be in a hurry! Take frequent stops and enjoy the vistas. This is great for fall foliage viewing, but is beautiful anytime of year.