Talimena Scenic Byway
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, Arkansas’s second highest peak at 2,681 feet, and passing through beautiful state parks, including Ouachita National Forest and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Along the way are opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, with camping, white water rafting, and trout fishing. While only eighteen miles of this route are actually in the state, the area is a prime destination for Arkansas vacations.

The starting point of the scenic drive in Arkansas is the town of Mena, itself a center of tourism and rich in history, with its lovely historical homes and churches. Other destinations in the town include a rail museum and historic cabin, located in Janssen Park and dating to 1851. There are several important events that take place here, including a well-respected arts and crafts festival, a great car show, and annual butterfly festival. Some of the best white water rafting in the entire state is located in Cossatot River State Park, just outside of town.

This national forest, headquartered in Hot Springs, covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and stretches into southeastern Oklahoma. If you’re beginning your Arkansas road trip here, you will surely explore this pristine wilderness area. There are many things to do here involving outdoor recreation, including fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill, among other species; hiking on an extensive network of more than 800 miles of trails; and camping, both primitive and with hook ups for recreational vehicles and motor homes.

Did you know? That this scenic drive in Arkansas covers 54 miles of wonderful scenery and provides spectacular views along its course.

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