We experienced the beginning of fall colors which made for a beautiful change from the summer greenery. Talimena national scenic byway from mena, the talimena scenic drivearkansas state highway 88 scenic byway travels northwest and quickly enters the ouachita national forest, climbing rich mountain, arkansass second highest peak at 2,681 feet, and passing through queen wilhelmina state park on its way to the oklahoma border 18 miles to the west. Fall is when the talimena national scenic byway shines. Problem was, above 2000 feet there was so much fog i couldnt see anything, so no stunning pictures.
The road is constructed like the blue ridge parkway through the ouachita mountains, and some of the viewscolor are just as spectacular, though the peak season is quite a bit. The principal activity for the 10,000 visitors to the preserve yearly. Talimena scenic drive arkansas motorcycle rides and. Along the talimena scenic drive some color change is present, with hickories and sweet gums starting to turn yellow, sumac showing red and oranges dotting the landscape. Ouachita national forest national forest foundation. The talimena scenic byway is supported by the talimena scenic byway association and its members. Particularly popular during the autumn season, for its awesome colors, the drive is enjoyed by thousands each year. The fall foliage season along the talimena national scenic byway is well underway with plenty of turning leaves projected to reach their peak of fall colors this weekend. Nov 06, 2014 oklahomas talimena national scenic byway november 6, 2014 26 comments with a cold front at our heels, we continued our southward migration and headed to an area in oklahoma known for its glorious mountains and wilderness areas chocktaw country. Cresting the highest points between the appalachians and the rockies, this byway showcases natures quiet solitude.
Magazine mountain is the highest point in arkansas. Jan 4, 2015 the talimena scenic drive begins at mena, arkansas, and traverses 54 miles of winding stair and rich mountains, long narrow eastwest ridges which extend into oklahoma. Talimena national scenic byway travel a short drive to the talimena national scenic byway. If it is a hot day, choose a park with a splash pad to stay cool. May 2015 ramblings from the road and other writings. The talimena scenic byway runs between talihana, oklahoma and mena.
By the time the afternoon heat kicked in we 2681 feet on the talimena which helped to cool the afternoon down. Last weekend, i took a long drive to the talimena scenic byway in southeastern oklahoma to see the fall foliage and enjoy the spectacular views. Talimena scenic byway heavener 2020 all you need to know. From mena to tahlequah, oklahoma is only about 54 miles. The talimena scenic byway officially begins here, then continues all the way into arkansas. Magazine mountain scenic byway is often compared to talimena drive. Talimena scenic byway and experience the aweinspiring views of this amazing place we call home. Winding its way through eastern utah mostly along the colorado river, the. Top 7 motorcycle rides in arkansas for adventure riders. However the reports we are receiving from atop rich mountain and queen wilhelmina state park suggest that the wind is starting to take its toll.
Talimena drives scenic vistas, steep inclines and winding curves passing through miles of forests is a bikers paradise. Read dotted globes guide to experiencing fall colors and mountain. Children can entertain themselves for hours at the park. Talimena scenic drive winding stair campground and picnic area overlook. The perpetual motorcycle thread ars technica openforum.
The drive offers lodging, picnicking, camping and trails, and the journey begins in beautiful downtown mena. The 10 closest hotels to talimena scenic byway, heavener. Foliage update 10302014 the fall foliage season along the talimena national scenic byway is just beginning with some light yellows and patches of autumn color on the still mostly green trees. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. My wife and i drove the byway after visiting mena, ar.
Autumn in the united states is blessed with so many amazing places around the country to explore. As autumn leaves burst into an array of spectacular hues, oklahomas towns, cities and communities gear up for a wealth of fallthemed fun. When autumn leaves will peak in missouri if youre planning a fall foliage tour in missouri or anywhere else in the country this tool can help you. See vistas with shades of green in the foregrounds forests to blue haze in the distant mountains. It is a beautiful journey that ends in mena, arkansas, where you can confidently look forward to staying for the night at our cabins, knowing they will be clean and comfortable and restful. Talimena state park has a few trees beginning to change, and the trees at lake wister state park are showing oranges, bronze, yellows and a little red. The best way to get a taste of the twisty pavement, tasty dirt and forest roads that weave throughout the ozark national forest in the northwest corner of the state is to start in natural dam, also a great swimming hole on a hot day. We left with steve and angie mid sunday morning in a comfortable 72 degrees. Experience wildlife such as birds, butterflies, deer, and bison. Us271 follows the kiamichi river along the foot hills to the talimena state park and oklahoma state highway 1, talimena parkway. Talimena scenic byway tour bmw car club of america. One of the first scenic byways designated by the us forest service in the 1960s, it is well known for its curvy roads, fabulous breathtaking panoramas, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Look for smooth sumac rhus glabra, a shrub that prefers dry soil and is.
Dont miss these 15 great pumpkin patches in oklahoma this fall. Fall conjures up images of crisp mornings, cozy sweaters and spectacular colors. Friday night well head out to paris, tx, spend the night and then travel down the talimena scenic byway in oklahomaarkansas. The talimena scenic drive winds 54 miles along the crest of rich mountain and winding stair mountain in the ouachita national forest pronounced washitah. We had a great time with good friends that we can keep in our lifelong memories. It is always refreshing to enter the ouachita mountains pronounced washita and begin to see pine trees along with the native oaks along the way. Oct 17, 2015 it was a fantastic short 2 day ride and again the talimena didnt disappoint. Read on to discover spectacular places to celebrate autumn in the sooner state. Includes an interactive map for the motorcycle route, photos, rider. Copyright 2016 talimena scenic drive association a 501c3 nonprofit organization. We took our time getting there as well by taking scenic backroads the entire way.
When autumn leaves are best in ga decaturavondale estates, ga if youre planning a fall foliage tour in georgia or anywhere else in the country this tool can help you make the most of it. The scenery on our drive to the talimena scenic by way. The route would take us through most areas of the park and allow us to run the snake and fun run along the way. Explore the golden valleys of a majestic byway and discover historic towns along the way. Either way, if you are looking for georgias version of the dragon and looking to for a ride that essentially has put georgia on the map of great motorcycle rides, this is a drive you need to work into your plans. Get back on the highway and find your way to the original ozark trail just west of sapulpa. The ouachita national forest is located primarily in the ouachita mountains of arkansas and oklahoma. Before heading out, check out jeannes tips for improving homeschool field trips. Google before you head out on your journey, make sure your vehicle has plenty of gas, and that you have some snacks and water with you. A large portion of the drive was through the valleys between the mountain ranges, and and we the forest surrounding us. Entrance to many of the sites are free, or get your america the beautiful annual pass for.
National park system protects unparalleled natural wonders, historic sites, preserves, monuments, and more. Talimena scenic drive built in the late 1960s expressly for grand views, talimena scenic drive ripples over the gentle ouachita mountains along the border of oklahoma and arkansas. Rich mountain reaches an elevation of 2,681 feet in arkansas near the oklahoma border. Parks are a fabulous way to enjoy activities that are free. The gorgeous 54 mile route spans one of the highest mountain ranges between the appalachians and the rockies.
The talimena scenic drive winds 54 miles along the crest of rich mountain and winding stair mountain in the ouachita national forest pronounced. Talimena national scenic byway talimena photo gallery. The drive took several hours to get to the mountains, but the drive was so very beautiful even before we got to the byway. Talimena driveway is famous for numerous historic towns that appear along the way. The trail is primarily used for nature trips and scenic driving and is accessible yearround. Oklahomas talimena national scenic byway lowes travels. The milky way looms overhead as a rock slides across the ground in death valley national park.
Talimena scenic drive winding stair campground and picnic. Sew this beautiful patch on your favorite jacket for a reminder of your trip tp the talimena scenic drive. The talimena scenic byway travels in arkansas and oklahoma. The fall foliage season along the talimena national scenic byway, is just beginning with some light yellows and patches of autumn color on the still mostly green trees. From pumpkin patches and county fairs to corn mazes, fall is the perfect time for family fun, and a road trip to the talimena scenic byway highlights the best of the season. These dreamy road trips go through the best fall foliage. Talimena scenic byway, 1156 hwy 71 south, mena, ar 2020. Hotels near talimena scenic byway, heavener on tripadvisor. Old military road historical site and picnic ground, panorama vista, horse thief spring historic site and picnic ground, kerr nature center, sunset vista, the only west facing vista on the route, castle rock vista and many other.
Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Many of the states scenic byways are a mustvisit in the fall season. Visual delights await those who travel along the talimena scenic drive. There are many motorcycle friendly hotels in mena, talihena and other areas. The area was open to the public and a dirt bike could follow the old logging trails all the way into arkansas, if you wanted to go that far. Was raining for the southern of the way from ozark both up and back. The talimena scenic drive is a national scenic byway in southeastern oklahoma and extreme western arkansas spanning a km stretch of oklahoma state highway 1 and arkansas highway 88 hwy from talihina, oklahoma, to mena, arkansas.
I pressed on and rode the 600 miles to knoxville, which made for a long day. Get ready to discover the natural state by backpacking your way across the state. If you can resist stopping to enjoy the many vistas and attractions along the way, the route takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive. The talimena scenic drive offers you more than 50 miles of the most breathtaking vistas our states have to offer. The 2lane winding road is similar in routing, construction, and scenery to the blue ridge parkway of the appalachian. Rally bucks can be combined by chapters for purchases such.
The talimena scenic drive offers some fascinating historical and cultural places to visit along the way. Talimena scenic byway and queen wilamena lodge is the destination. Talimena scenic byway on the oklahoma side nov 16 fall 2016. Talimena national scenic byway explore the talimena scenic. Talimena scenic drive road trip in oklahoma, arkansas. I ran into the rangers station and bought us some patches and put on my rain suit. Prime oklahoma vacation spots in 2020 metrofamily magazine. As the air takes on a welcome chill, the colors of autumn will make your drive worthy of oohs and aahs. Lunch will probably be in mena, ar and then well head back to the dfw area. But if you like to pull off to see the scenic views, read about the historic points of interest, and hike a short nature trail or two, it could easily take all day. Youll find a lot of scenic and magnificent landscapes that are filled with fantastic fall foliage and change in the season in different corners of the usa. This road is among the musttodo driveway list of many driving enthusiasts for one and only one reason, i.
The winding stair is a rare mountain treasure in southeastern oklahoma, and this scenic byway also a ccc project rides the ridgeline of the highest mountain range between the appalachians and rockies. Explore the ouachita mountains along the talimena national scenic byway from mena, the talimena scenic drivearkansas state highway 88 scenic byway. Mar 25, 2018 the talimena national scenic byway stretches 54 miles from talihina, oklahoma, all the way across the border to mena, arkansas. The drive is especially popular with motorcyclists in fall. The talimena national scenic byway all fall along the byway outdoor fun spring time on the byway summer sun talimena scenic drive. If visiting arkansas in fall, drive the talimena scenic drive for epic fall colors and beautiful vistas.
Running 54 miles along the crest of the rich and winding stair mountains, the drive is surprisingly easy and never boring. Talimena scenic drive is a roller coaster through the ouachita national forest, along the crest of rich mountain and winding stair mountain. The talimena scenic byway falls gently like a ribbon over winding stair and rich mountains. How to experience fall colors on talimena national scenic. There are several restroom stops along the way, but no gasfood stops until you get to mena ark.
Queen wilhelmina state park and talimena scenic byway. Talimena national scenic byway has excellent fall foliage viewing and offers spectacular scenery. Talimena scenic byway heavener 2020 all you need to. Talimena national scenic byway home talimena national. From here you can look out on the beautiful dark blue hills and valleys through which the choctaw traveled on their way west from mississippi, in compliance. Just outside of mena, ar is the talimena scenic byway, where you will enjoy stunning views of large sweeping valleys and discover historic towns along the way. Stretching 54 miles through eastern oklahoma and western arkansas, the talimena scenic drive winds along the top of the ouachita, winding stair, and rich mountains, providing stunning views and outdoor opportunities sure to please and interest all visitors. Nothing is more suited to an unforgettable arkansas road trip than the talimena scenic byway that stretches from mena in arkansas to talihena in oklahoma, along the way climbing rich mountain, arkansass second highest peak at 2,681 feet, and passing through beautiful state parks, including ouachita national forest and queen wilhelmina state park. See for yourself the magnificent scenery and stunning views of the talimena national scenic byway. Rocky fields and trees gnarled from winter winds and ice testify to the harsh environment the early settlers encountered in these mountains. Foliage update 10212015 the fall foliage season along the talimena national scenic byway has begun with mostly yellows and browns scattered throughout the green trees.
Rev your engine and embark on an adventure through scenic terrain with twisting turns and stop at some of the best roadfriendly attractions around. Mar 31, 2019 talimena national scenic byway what is it. It is a gorgeous 54 mile route which spans one of the highest mountain ranges between the appalachians and the rockies. As you follow the ridgetops of the ouachita mountains for more than 50 miles you will experience some of the most stunning vistas anywhere in this part of the country.
The talimena national scenic byway, a breathtaking 54mile route in southeast oklahoma, is known for its spectacular views. Check out these travel bloggers favorite places to visit in. Jan 4, 2015 the talimena scenic drive begins at mena, arkansas, and traverses 54. Peak for the talimena scenic drive is estimated to be in approximately two weeks. You dont have to travel far to enjoy the sights of a colorful fall. Plus, surrounding the talimena scenic drive, you will find historic gateway towns with open arms and.
Hit the road and visit the best spots in iowa for history buffs and adventurers. This particular photo is from the pig trail along hwy. Continuing on your journey down the talimena national scenic byway, be prepared for sensory overload. Best trails in talimena state park oklahoma alltrails. Dec 20, 2016 the talimena drive is a national scenic byway in the ouachita national forest on the ridge of a chain of the ouachita mountians. The talimena scenic drive is a national scenic byway in southeastern oklahoma and extreme western arkansas spanning a 54. Hugo oklahoma tour talimena drive oklahoma motorcycle. A motorcycle ride in arkansas called talimena scenic drive, ridden and. Visit the talimena national scenic byway and its gateway cities this fall. From mena, the talimena scenic drivearkansas state highway 88 scenic byway travels northwest and quickly enters the ouachita national forest, climbing rich mountain, arkansass second highest peak at 2,681 feet, and passing through queen wilhelmina state park on its way to the oklahoma border 18 miles to the west. The talimena scenic byway is one of the highlights of the ouachita national forest.
The talimena national scenic byway, sometimes called the queen talimena scenic byway, stretches 54 miles through the ouachita mountains the southernmost portion of the ozarks, from us 271 north of talihina, oklahoma to us 5971 in mena, arkansas. Department of transportation as an official national scenic byway, talimena drive was built specifically to highlight the areas beautiful foliage and spans one of the highest mountain ranges between the appalachians and the rockies. There are plenty of vistasturnouts to stop and enjoy the views. Oct 14, 2015 riding the talimena scenic byway in early fall. Our listing of oklahoma field trips for homeschoolers is. Talimena scenic byway is regularly featured among best motorcycle routes in the country. Arkansas state parks offer a variety of scenic backpacking trails ranging in length, from 4 miles to 222 miles, that are enjoyable yearround. Talimena national scenic byway cabins talimena national. Arkansas winding roads through the forests and mountainsides have earned worldwide recognition. Oour visit was preapril 2019 but there was no choice avai. Talimena scenic drive ok 1ar 88, talihena ok to mena ar. Oour visit was preapril 2019 but there was no choice available for the date of our travels. Color has finally come to the ouachitas and the talimena scenic byway. Its about 2 hours from okc and tulsa, and 3 hours from dallas.
Looking for a great trail in talimena state park, oklahoma. For the next couple of weeks with cooler temps we should be on the way to peak. Includes an interactive map for the motorcycle route, photos, rider comments, gps files, turn by turn directions, and more. Rich mountain community college in mena, ar dream vacation spots. How to experience fall colors on talimena national scenic byway. The talimena scenic byway runs about 60 miles across far southeast oklahoma and far southwest arkansas. The whole drive is worth taking, but the arkansas portion arguably has the most scenic. Talimena national scenic byway explore the talimena scenic drive. So the color is just starting with patches of color in a few places.
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