Fall Foliage at Talimena National Scenic Drive in Oklahoma 2024

If you visit Oklahoma or Arkansas in the fall, you should definitely drive via the Talimena National Scenic Drive or Byway. Stretching 54 miles (87 km) from Talihina, Oklahoma, to Mena, Arkansas, it offers the best fall foliage views and beautiful vistas. With the majority of the route located in the Ouachita National Forest along the borders of Arkansas and Oklahoma, it features an abundance of spectacular scenery. The Talimena Scenic Drive also boasts 22 picturesque pullouts along its way, where you can enjoy the views to the fullest.

Peak Fall Colors Season at Talimena Byway

The best time to visit the Talimena Scenic Drive is from late October to early November, depending on the weather. During this time, you can enjoy fiery red and gold colors splashing over the Ouachita mountains and along the road. Red maples, northern red oaks, and sugar maples flaunt their flaming ruby and burnt orange leaves, while bitternuts, hickories, and basswood light up the road with yellow foliage. Even though the scenery is beautiful at any time of day, some of the best snapshots can be taken during sunrise, the golden hour, and sunset. The rays of the setting sun during golden hour hit the Talimena Scenic Drive at approximately 6 pm in October and 5 pm in November.

Route of the Drive

If you're starting in Talihina or Wilburton in Oklahoma, the route begins at the intersection of Oklahoma State Highway 1 and Highway 271, while in Mena, Arkansas, the road begins at the U.S. 71. The majority of the trip passes through the Ouachita National Forest. Some sections run parallel with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. In Oklahoma, you'll pass through the scenic views of the Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain, followed by Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Rich Mountain in Arkansas. Approximately 18 miles (29 km) of the route goes through the state of Arkansas.

Places to Visit Along the Drive

Plus, there are many beautiful places where you can stop along the scenic byway. For example, you can visit Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area, Talimena State Park, and Queen Wilhelmina State Park. All of these places provide a much-needed retreat during the cozy season and offer a variety of beautiful fall landscapes.

Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area

With an impressive area of 26,445 acres (10,701 ha), the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area offers a myriad of spectacular views and recreational opportunities. The Talimena Scenic Drive passes right through the area, which is filled to the brim with pines, oaks, and diverse wildlife. Here, you'll find 23 campsites, so you can make a stopover and enjoy the fall foliage at its peak. The campsites operate from spring through fall, with spring being the busier season. On the way to the area, you'll find two scenic spots, Potato Hill Vista and Holson Valley Vista.

Talimena State Park

Marking the beginning of Talimena National Scenic Byway in Oklahoma, Talimena State Park is worth its own visit. It's located approximately 7 miles (11 km) from the town of Talihina. The park offers a wide range of recreational options, including hiking, off-roading, cycling, and camping. Housing a diverse range of flora and fauna in its 20-acre (8 ha), the Talimena State Park is a prime destination for fall foliage snapshots. Admission to the grounds is completely free. Staying at a tent site costs $22 while staying at an RV campsite costs $36.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

As you slowly roll into Arkansas, you'll be greeted with the sights of the state's historic park, Queen Wilhelmina State Park. It boasts a huge territory of 460 acres (186) and is situated on top of the Rich Mountain at an elevation of 2,516 feet (767 m). The park is known for its iconic lodge, the Castle in the Sky, built in the 19th century. Besides vibrant bronze, burgundy, and amber leaves of maples, oaks, buckeyes, and hickories, visitors can witness Monarch butterfly migration during fall. The Monarchs usually begin their move to Mexico in late September and early October and can be seen at the Lover’s Leap Trail, a short 1.3-mile (2.1 km) hike. The park is open all year round, 24 hours a day, and doesn't require an admission fee.