Hike in the Ouachita National Forest, and see Horse Thief Springs.
The Talimena Scenic Byway is a 54-mile drive from Talihina, Okla. to Mena, Ark. The 2-lane highway was constructed specifically for sightseeing through the 1.6 million-acre Ouachita National Forest. This trip starts at the Visitors Information Station 7 miles northeast of Talihina at U.S. 271 and Route One. Just past the information station, you can see the dark blue hills and gorgeous valleys from Choctaw Vista on the west end of Winding Stair Mountain.
After departing Choctaw Vista, you will enter the forest. Five miles beyond the entrance is Panorama Vista, overlooking Holson Valley. The succeeding stop is Horse Thief Springs, where 1800s horse thieves often rested on their way in between Missouri and Texas. Seven miles later, stop at the Nature Center and Robert S. Kerr Arboretum for a walk down three short trails. Approximately mile 40, stop and visit the Old Pioneer Cemetery.
The Queen Wilhelmina State Park, with views of the south from Rich Mountain, is situated 2 miles past the cemetery. Rich Mountain Fire Tower, the highest point of the drive, stands 2,681 feet tall. The drive ends 2 hours after at the Mena Visitor Information Station.
Starting Point:
Talihina, OK
Distance of Drive:
54 miles
Must Eat:
Corner Cafe
Hwy. 2 and 271, Clayton, OK 74536
Phone: 918-569-7845
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round
Points of Interest on Drive:
Ouachita National Forest
Robert S. Kerr Arboretum and Nature Center
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Tagged with: Oklahoma
Filed under: Best Road Trips