501-569-2088 In 1988, Highway 88 from Highway 71 in Mena to the Oklahoma border was designated as Arkansas’ third National Scenic Byway. Along the route is Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Black Fork Mountain Wilderness Area, and Ouachita National Forest. The route is known for its colorful fall foliage and is a premier motorcycle route in Arkansas.
Talimena Scenic Drive National Scenic Byway – AR
Local Visitor Information
Discover more ways to experience this byway — photos and local partners.
P. Hicks
Photo
Explore Resources
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Byway Overview
The Talimena Scenic Drive is a breathtaking National Forest Scenic Byway that winds along forested mountain tops between Mena, Arkansas and Talihina, Oklahoma.
This stunning route showcases nature’s quiet beauty with one jaw-dropping panorama after another. As you travel the ridgeline through the Ouachita National Forest, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of rolling mountains, lush valleys, and dense woodlands.
Perfect for scenic drives, photography, hiking, and peaceful escapes, the Talimena Scenic Drive offers an unforgettable journey through the natural splendor of Arkansas and Oklahoma.
A must-do road trip for nature lovers seeking solitude and spectacular mountain scenery.
Quick Facts
- Designation
- National Scenic Byway (2005)
- Intrinsic Qualities
- Scenic
- Location
- AR,OK
- Total Length
- 14 of 54 total miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Talimena Scenic Drive Association
Local Byway Partners
From the community of Mena, AR take Highway 88 to the Oklahoma border. The state of Oklahoma continues the route with their section of this road.
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Black Fork Mountain Wilderness Area
Over 13,00 acres of wilderness straddling the OK-AR border. Rugged, up-hill hiking.
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Ouachita National Forest
2,788 square miles of forest in AR and OK.
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Mena
Formed as a railroad community, now is a tourist destination with a diverse economy base on agriculture and manufacturing.
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Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Situated atop Rich Mountain, the park offers panoramic views.
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Forest and Wildlife
Start in Mena, AR on Highway 88 and travel west for 14 miles. Queen Wilhelmina State Park is on the south side of the byway sitting atop the Rich Mountains. Enjoy the panoramic views and be sure to see the Rich Mountain Fire Tower. On the north side of the byway is the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. If you are into rugged up-hill hiking, a stop in the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness is for you. Continue on Highway 88 through the Ouachita National Forest and head into Oklahoma.