Winding 54 miles through the Ouachita Mountains between Talihina, Oklahoma and Mena, Arkansas, the Talimena Scenic Drive ranks among America’s most breathtaking ridge-top routes. This National Scenic Byway follows the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain, delivering panoramic views that stretch for miles across rolling, forested peaks.

The drive reveals a tapestry of hardwood and pine forests, with numerous overlooks inviting you to stop and absorb the vastness of the Ouachita National Forest below. Watch for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and the occasional black bear along the roadway. Key stops include the Talimena State Park visitor center, Queen Wilhelmina State Park perched atop Rich Mountain, and the Robert S. Kerr Arboretum showcasing native flora.

Fall transforms this byway into a spectacular corridor of crimson, orange, and gold—peak foliage typically arrives mid-to-late October, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers from across the region. Spring wildflowers and summer’s lush green canopy offer their own rewards, while winter provides stark beauty and uncrowded roads.

Allow two to three hours for a leisurely drive with photo stops, or make a full day of it by hiking the trails and exploring the parks along the way. This is a drive meant to be savored, not rushed.

Explore Nearby

• Queen Wilhelmina State Park — State Park in Arkansas
• Little Pine State Park — State Park in Pennsylvania
• Ouachita National Forest — National Forest in Arkansas, Oklahoma
• Clayton Lake State Park — Dark Sky Site in New Mexico