Talimena Scenic Drive
Itinerary For Talimena Scenic Drive

Departure: West End Visitor Information Station, Oklahoma
Destination: East End Visitor Information Station, Arkansas
Time to allow: 1 day

Pack a lunch or bring charcoal for a warm meal. As you head east stop at the developed vistas and historical sites.

Day 1

  • Start: West End Visitor Information Station

    Whether you are entering the byway or leaving the byway. The West End Visitor Information Station is a great place to rest up, get updates on weather reports, and shop for souvenirs.

  • Stop 1: Old Military Road Historic Site

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
    Directions:

    Follow SR 1
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    Visit the old historic site that features the original Military Road used by soldiers during the Civil War. The Old Military Road Historic Site is a great place to sit down and enjoy a picnic.

  • Stop 2: Panorama Vista

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 4 mi (6.4 km)
    Directions:

    Follow SR 1
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    This scenic vista provides an almost 270 degree view of Blue Mountain, Lake Wister, Holson Valley, Talihina, Oklahoma, Tombstone Mountain, and the Potato Hills.

  • Stop 3: Horse Thief Spring Historic Site and Picnicground

    From previous stop: 35 minutes / 9.5 mi (15.2 km)
    Directions:

    Follow SR 1. A sign will indicate the site.
    Suggested time at this stop: 40 minutes

    Horse Thief offers trails located along logging roads of the 1920's. Some of these trails follow routes horse thieves used in the 1800's. These outlaws made their camps and corrals near the top of Winding Stair Mountain.

  • Stop 4: Winding Stair Campground

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 4 mi (6.4 km)
    Directions:

    Continue on SR 1. An entrance sign is along the highway indicating the campground junction.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    This mountain-top, solar-powered campground offers an excellent opportunity for getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a hike or stay overnight! Water supplies at this campground have not been reliable so call before you come to camp if you need a source of water.

  • Stop 5: Kerr Nature Center

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 7 mi (11.2 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along SR 1. An entrance sign is along the highway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Located at the Kerr Nature Center are three interpretive trails feature a variety of plants which are identified by trail signs.

  • Stop 6: Sunset Vista

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along SR 1. There is an identification sign along the highway
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    The only west facing vista along the byway.

  • Stop 7: Castle Rock Vista

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 4.5 mi (7.2 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along SR 1. There will be an identification sign along the highway
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    This vista has the best opportunity for byway travelers to get off the byway and get a close up view of these very old members of the white oak "family tree".

  • Stop 8: State Line Historic Marker

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 6 mi (9.6 km)
    Directions:

    Continue on SR 1 until you reach the state line
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Drug up the mountain by mules, this five-foot iron marker delineates the historic line between the Choctaw Nation and the State of Arkansas.

  • Stop 9: Pioneer Cemetery Historic Site

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along SR 88
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    The story of the Old Pioneer Cemetery on top of Rich Mountain is a patchwork of tales and parts of tales handed down through the generations of the families who lived on the mountain.

  • Stop 10: Queen Wilhelmina State Park

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 4 mi (6.4 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along SR 88.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    This state park offers a beautiful lodge and restaurant on a ridge top with spectacular views. The State Park offers a number of opportunities for walking and hiking.

  • Stop 11: Rich Mountain Fire Tower

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along SR 88. There will be sign indicating the pull out for this stop.
    Suggested time at this stop: 40 minutes

    A great place to experience climbing an old fire tower and enjoy a picnic lunch on this end of the byway.

  • End: East End Visitor Information Station

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 8 mi (12.8 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along SR 88

    Pick up an official travel guide at this information station.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 56.5 miles / 90.4 km
Total Travel Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 7 hours 20 minutes