TALIMENA NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

If this is the first time you are hearing about the Talimena National Scenic Byway, then you are in for a treat.

Ever since we moved to Texas, one of our favorite thing to do around this time of the year is to enjoy the enthralling Fall foliage. Being in Dallas we are lucky that we are in a central location and a few hours away from places where you can enjoy this colorful, gorgeous play the nature stages every year.

Last year we made a trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas early November and we were just in time to catch the tail end of the fall foliage. It was a much needed family get-away and you can read all about it and enjoy a virtual show here.

This year we decided to do things a bit earlier and in a different manner.

My husband, one of the few people I know who are such deep nature-lovers, found this scenic byway  to witness the fall colors neither in the Smokies nor along the coast…but….wait for it…..

Along Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas!!!!

Before I go any further, in his defense, the destination had to be with 5 hours of drive from home (a request from me)

A little about this hidden gem (was hidden for me)….

 

TALIMENA NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

Talimena National Scenic byway is located in the thick Ouachita National Forest which is the oldest National Forest in the southern United States. It was designated a national byway in 2005 and spans a total of 54 miles (86.9 km) from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas. 36 miles fall in Oklahoma while the rest in Arkansas. Little did I know that it is a favorite drive route for motorcyclists and for people doing cross country road trips. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

This drive is most popular during Spring and Fall. I would assume fall would be more magnificent as one can witness and array of reds and golds along with the varying shades of greens peeking through.

Fall colors are best visited between mid-October and early November depending on the weather. You can get weekly updates by visiting the Arkansas Tourism Website.

If you want to see the bright and vibrant greens, mid-April to end-May is the ideal time to do so.

THE ROUTE

The scenic byway can be accessed via either gateways, Mena, Arkansas or Talihina, Oklahoma.

We decided to enter the byway via Talihina, Oklahoma. 

From Dallas your main drive is on US 75-N, before entering Oklahoma.

We stopped for lunch at Roma in Durant, Oklahoma. One of the main reasons for stopping at Roma Italian was gluten-free pizza. My son has food allergies and it was a blessing that he could also enjoy pizza like the rest of us. Since the restaurant was located on the happening Main Street, we also got to enjoy the annual Draggin Main Car Show.

We passed through various notable towns like Atoka & String town (famous for Reba McEntire and also for Bonnie & Clyde Shootout site).

We also got to see parts of the Choctaw Nation, an American Indian territory covering acres of south eastern Oklahoma. It is the second largest Indian reservation in area after Navajo.

Just before reaching Talihina on OK-2 N, we came across the Sardis Lake, a reservoir in Pushmataha and Latimer counties created in 1980s as a result of dam being constructed. The highway actually runs right over the dam and you get to see the widespread of the lake.

BEFORE THE START:

• Before entering the byway make sure that your gas tank is full since there are no gas stations along the scenic drive.
• Make sure you have water handy as there are no spots to get water.
• If you plan to hike, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and proper shoes and have insect repellent on. There are some nasty bugs around.
• Restrooms are located at various spots along the byway.

THE BYWAY:

WINDING STAIR CAMPGROUND:

A few miles into the drive, you reach the Winding Stair Campgroup.

This is a secluded campground which has a mountain retreat feel. There is no camp host and you can only tent camping here. Availability is one first-come basis and there is an envelope system for payment.

VISTA POINTS:

There are a total of 16 pull-out scenic vista points in the Oklahoma portion and 6 in the Arkansas stretch which give you ample chances to soak in the beauty of nature. Most to the vistas have a history attached. Some of the vistas are:

• Choctaw Vista
• Potato Hills Vista
• Holson Valley Vista
• Panorama Vista
• Deadman Vista
• Sugarloaf Vista
• Lenox Vista
• Cedar Lake Vista
• Shawnee Vista
• Emerald Vista

QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK:

Shortly after you enter Arkansas, the road winds through the Queen Wilhelmina State Park which is located atop Rich Mountain, the second highest peak in Arkansas. 

Originally, the lodge was  built in the late 17th century and was named after the Queen of the Netherlands. The investors hoped that since it was named after Queen Wilhelmina, she might come for a visit, which unfortunately did not happen and the lodge/hotel failed.

It was recently updated and today the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge sits atop the mountain with the most breath-taking views of the surroundings. The 40-room lodge is super chic and you can enjoy a Southern cuisine in the lodge Restaurant.

The state park has 41 campsites (tent & RV combined), picnic areas, and trails.

Don’t forget to enjoy the Old Train in the park.

FIRE TOWER, RICH MOUNTAIN:

The highest point in the Talimena Scenic Byway is the Fire tower which unfortunately is no longer accessible to the public.

Slowly the byway tapers into the city of Mena, Arkansas.

As you exit the byway and enter the city you see the famous Kansas City-Southern Depot which is a historic railroad station on Sherwood Street.

It is a sweet little town with loads of antique shops and various family owned Bed and Breakfasts. 

DAY-TRIP OR STAY OVERNIGHT?

If you leave Dallas early in the morning, you can definitely do a day trip though you will be technically spending all the time driving which isn’t that fun. 

I highly recommend doing an overnight trip or if you are really into hiking and biking a two night trip so you can enjoy all the trails and vista points in a relaxed manner.

As far as where to stay, my first recommendation will be Queen Wilhelmina Lodge or if you are into camping, one of their campsites. The views from both are gorgeous and waking surrounded by mountains  sheer zen.

You can also stay at one of the B&B in Mena, Arkansas. If you do that, do visit the local shops and art galleries along Mena St and if you have extra time on hand, drive to Hot Springs and relax in one of the famous bath houses. 

If you cannot do the whole byway and are short on time, you can enter via Talihina and then make an exit on US 259 and drive back via Broken Bow which is a gorgeous town. This will save you time and you can enjoy good food.

Here is a glimpse of what fall colors look like if you make the trip at the right time.

 

So, plan your trip today and enjoy the exotic fall colors!