The Talimena National Scenic Byway “winds 54 miles along the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest”. Along the drive, you’ll find numerous vistas and trails, historic sites, and neat towns that are all worth seeing.
Beautiful Scenery and Outdoor Activities
Because the Ouachita Mountains uniquely run east to west, each side of the mountains is home to a different variety of plants and animals. This means you can expect the scenery to be beautiful all year round.
There are several turnouts with beautiful vistas along the way, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the beauty. Use the Talimena Scenic Drive Interactive Map to find vistas, as well as many other destinations located along the drive.
The area is great for enjoying your favorite outdoor activities including:
- Hiking: Numerous trails and recreation areas surround the drive
- Hunting: Hunters may hunt for a variety of the game species native to the Ouachita National Forest.
- Water activities: There are several rivers, streams and lakes that provide excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Historic Sites
There are several historic sites along the byway worth visiting, including:
Gateway Cities
The gateway towns that surround the byway are rich in history and have fun events all year round.
- Oklahoma towns: Talihina, Poteau, Wilburton, and Heavener
- Arkansas towns: Fort Smith, Waldron, and Mena
The Talimena Scenic Drive is more than just a road that gets you to your destination; it’s a destination itself. Come visit us at A to Z Guest Ranch, and make sure you take a day (or two) to experience the beauty, adventure, and history of the Talimena National Scenic Byway.
