Often at times, when we think of fall foliage, we think of states such as New Hampshire or Vermont. But here in the sooner state, we have our fair share of opportunities when it comes to leaf peeping.
Today, we are going to pay a visit to the Talimena Scenic Byway. This is without a doubt, the ultimate fall attraction. One of the first National Forest Scenic Byways, this spectacular route gives you amazing photo opportunities combined with panoramic views that are unmatched.
Without further ado, let’s go leaf peeping!
For more information on the Talimena Scenic Drive, please check Fall Foliage in McCurtain County
What is the Talimena Scenic Byway?
Located in Southeastern Oklahoma lies 54 miles of sheer beauty. The Talimena Scenic Drive was built in the 1960’s by the Department of Transportation as an official National Scenic Byway.
Named after two towns, Talihina, Oklahoma and Mena, Arkansas, these two spots in the midwest is a lighter version of Blue Ridge Parkway in the Great Smokey Mountains.
It was built specifically to show off Oklahoma’s fall foliage and spans one of the highest mountain ranges in between the Rocky Mountains of the west and the Appalachian Mountains of the East.
Being hidden in Choctaw Country, this leaf peeping route in Oklahoma offers mountain vistas unsurpassed in Mid-America of forested peaks and valleys, lakes and streams.
If I’m being honest here, this is the best place in Oklahoma to see trees shed their summer green for the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall.
How Long is the Talimena Scenic Byway?
Take your time is my mantra on this scenic drive. If you don’t pull over for any stops, you can easily make your way through the Talimena Scenic Drive in about two hours.
If you do this, however, you’ll miss out on a lot of great opportunities for leaf peeping.
Taking your time will allow you and your family a chance to enjoy the trip and the spectacular look-out points along the way. Furthermore, you will also give yourself enough time to indulge in some incredible sunsets for amazing outdoor photography.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
While you are on your leaf peeping adventure, one place I recommend paying a visit to is the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge.
Located atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s 2nd highest peak, Queen Wilhelmina offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state.
It’s also rich in history.
The original lodge was built in the late 1800’s as a Victorian resort named Wilhelmina Inn to honor the Queen of the Netherlands.
Through the years, it was known as the “castle in the sky”. When you arrive, you’ll realize why with the breathtaking views. For more information on Queen Wilhelmina State Park, please check out Arkansas State Parks.
When is the Best Time to Go?
Well the obvious choice is during fall foliage season, which generally peaks in early-to-mid-November. This will be a lighter version of Blue Ridge Parkway in the Great Smokey Mountains.
The colors can be quite spectacular here in the Ouachita National Forest with bright reds and golds predominant during good years.
If you can’t make it here in the fall, the spring can be very rewarding when everything starts to transform back to its green beauty.
But if you are asking me for my personal preference, I’m going to go with the Fall.
Where is the best Place to Stay?
Depending on what you want to accomplish, I recommend either staying at the lodge at Queen Wilhelmina or find a suitable Airbnb in the town of Mena, Ark.
Mena is a small town with restaurants, inns, southern hospitality and mountain charm. They also have gas stations.
Why do I mention this?
Well the Talimena Scenic Byway does not have any gas stations, so it is is paramount that you fill up before you make the 50 plus mile trek on the winding roads.
There are also no food options other than the lodge’s Queen Restaurant inside the State Park. They do however, have several picnic tables and recreational areas along the drive that is ideal for a picnic.
Navigating the Byway
The byway begins at the junction of US Hwy 271 and State Road 1 in the Ouachita National Forest about 8 miles east of Talihina, Oklahoma. Start the byway by driving State Road 1 east from HWY 271. The byway will intersect with Highway 259. Continue on State Road 1. The Oklahoma section of the byway ends at the OK-AR state border.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And that wraps things up for today. The Talimena Scenic Byway not only boasts some of the best fall foliage in the Sooner State, but it’s also one of the best places in the country. For me, to get the most out of a trip like this, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it. Trips like this also require detailed planning. If you can’t make it out in the Fall, that’s ok too. I have been on this drive when everything is dominated by the bright green colors in the springtime and it’s lovely as well. I hope you enjoyed this article today. Please share your experiences on the Talimena Scenic Drive in the comment section below.
-CT