Talimena National Scenic Byway

Some 4 hrs drive from DFW, this byway drive is very scenic especially during fall. Don’t miss the mini train ride near queen wilhelmina lodge. You may also stop at broken bow lake for some boating / health break.

Beautiful sunset point along the way and twisty turns to enjoy. Great spots to stop and enjoy scenic views.
Road way is on top of the mountain which is awesome.
Great for Motorcycles and and also cars too.

The Talimena National Scenic Drive is a 54-mile stretch through the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma and Arkansas that is known for its stunning fall foliage. The road is well-maintained and there are several rest stops and scenic overlooks along the way. One of the highlights of the drive is the crisp, clean smell of the forest, which is especially pronounced in the autumn months. In addition to the beautiful views, the drive offers the opportunity to take in the fresh, natural scent of the forest. There are also several hiking trails along the drive, including the Talimena Ridge Trail, which offers some of the best views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Overall, the Talimena National Scenic Drive is a must-see for anyone visiting the area and offers a sensory experience in addition to the beautiful views.

Awesome drive as the leaves were changing. Gives you Blue Ridge Parkway vibes!

It's definitely worth the drive. Several areas where you are able to pull over and enjoy the views. Make sure you have a full tank of gas in your vehicle. It is gorgeous this time of year.

This place is a must visit in fall. The mix of fall colors in the mountains from the viewpoints and also in the road is a bliss.

Autumn colors in full transition from summer. A great trip to plan for every year. Many vista turn-outs to choose from with awesome views. Stopped at Horsethief Springs for a picnic lunch, and found it clean and well maintained. Stayed overnight at Talimena State Park so did not need to rush through. Next time and on we hit the 4x4 trails.

Beautiful and peaceful drive with curves and inclines. Bring your lunch/snack and relax at one of the many stops with a beautiful view. There are tons of stops that is a pull over for you to get out and take pictures. There is usually a sign 500ft beforehand that tells you what vista it is. At the stop is also an information board. Some stops don't have either, but most do. The Panorama Vista is towards the beginning on the Missouri start. It's a curve around that let's you see both sides. Don't miss that one. I also like the Emerald Vista. You have navigate maybe a minute off the road(behind a camping site) to get to it. It is rolling mountains of green and gorgeous. The Arkansas side is my favorite for views and scenery and roads! Come on Oklahoma (you will notice the change). The day was a beautiful fall day for us. Cool and sprinkles of rain. This led to alot of fog up top and crazy wind that was blowing limbs on the highway. We had to dodge some. If you have a convertible and a non rainy day, this would be perfect. Make sure you and have a play list on your radio. Connection is spotty.

One of the absolute best scenic drives in the United States. Best in Fall, but Springtime is close in the scenery. The drive runs mostly East and West, so adjust your time to drive accordingly. I recommend starting in Talihina, Oklahoma. There are numerous turnouts to stop and admire the view.

You can a fine meal at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas. There are a couple of good trails to walk, a Lover's Leap, and small train that you can ride on top of. If you can, spend the night there. The hotel rooms are very nice. You can finish the drive by arriving at Mena, Arkansas, unless you decide to start at Mena.

Give yourself plenty of time. You'll want to take in the scenery and take pictures.

Beautiful area of Oklahoma and Arkansas. I can’t even believe this is here. Drove up from Dallas to ride our bikes out and back along the scenic byway.

Would be beautiful by bike, motorcycle, hike, or car. Lots of vistas to stop and lookout to enjoy the scenery.

The road itself is very up and down. Lots of steep climbs and descents. Crazy how much elevation is gained and lost along the 50+ mile road (~7k).

Make sure to stop in for coffee or snacks in Talihina, OK or Mena, AR. Both are quaint towns.

The beautiful photos we took - take your time, enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of this scenic byway-it's well worth it!

I drove this the entire length, 54 miles and back from Mena, Arkansas to Talihina, Oklahoma. It has scenic overlooks plus the highway itself it gorgeous. My only regret is that it was summer and not fall. I imagine that it is stunning in the fall.

Beautiful and smooth motorcycle ride! Nice way to spend a day outdoors. But get back before dark if you are on a motorcycle. We have met a deer on a road.

This scenic road is a must for any motorcycle rider. There are numerous vista viewpoint stops along the way for picture taking. Do not attempt to ride during the winter months, as snow/ice removal services do not extend to the scenic road.

Very relaxing drive through the mountains with little traffic but lots of amazing views from the plentiful roadside pull off-to-park vistas. Also has a few picnic areas (some with bathrooms), hiking trails, and campsites along the way, as well as the Queen Wilhemena State Park that includes a beautiful lodge, restaurant, etc.

My family and I recently spent a great time exploring the Talimena National Scenic Drive during the third week of October. This 54-mile journey through the Ouachita National Forest, stretching across Oklahoma and Arkansas, is a true marvel in the fall. The road is in excellent condition, and the abundance of rest stops and scenic viewpoints made our experience even more enjoyable. A standout feature was the fresh, invigorating aroma of the forest during fall. It truly enhanced our drive. Besides the breathtaking scenery, we were thrilled to explore several hiking trails, particularly the Talimena Ridge Trail. The views from this trail of the surrounding forests and mountains are simply unparalleled. Highly recommend this drive for an unforgettable nature experience!

Just Wow. Hidden gem in the USA. A byway between mountains and forests. Mind blowing grand vistas along. Connect Talihina Oklahoma and Mena Arkansas. Visited during fall foliage season and loved it. Windy so hard to fly drones to capture videos. Must see if you are in TX, OK or AR

Had an amazing time with the family and friends! Such an amazing drive and views! I cant believe I had never been here before. I hope to come back next year.

Great vistas! Lots of curves and steep. Our ears kept popping. The views are beautiful. It's best during sunset hours, but it's not too fun to drive when it's dark due to the many curves. If you love nature like we do, then this is a drive for you!

This place was a bliss to the eyes, showering with colors. It peaked last weekend and we were lucky to have a glimpse of this. Pls visit asap if anyone is looking to go to this place, before the colors wear off. Worth the drive.. 🍁🍂