Talimena Scenic Drive
Visitor Services
The West End Visitor Center, located on US 271 (8 miles east of Talihina), is open Thursday-Sunday from mid-March through Thanksgiving weekend.
The East End Visitor Center, located one mile north of the US 71-59 junction, is opened from April through mid-November.
| Service | Description | Service | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
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Camping Camping opportunities are available along the byway through Winding Stair National Recreation Area, the Ouachita National Forest, and... [more] |
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Food Dining opportunities are available at Queen Wilhelmina Inn. Food service are also available in Big Cedar, OK. |
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Gasoline Gas is available in Big Cedar, OK. |
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Information There are two information stations for this byway. One is on the western terminus on Oklahoma State Route 1 and the other is near Mena at the eastern terminus of the drive. |
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Lodging Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers accommodations at the Queen Wilhelmina Inn. |
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Phone Public phones are available along this byway. |
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Restrooms There are toilet facilities along this byway. |
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Retail The only shopping along the byway itself is at the visitor centers. Other shopping is available at local towns. |
NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.
Special Considerations
There are no road services available on the Talimena Scenic Drive. Traveler services, including food, fuel, lodging, and vehicle service are available at distances of 5 miles or more in Big Cedar, OK: Talihina, OK; Heavener, OK; Poteau, OK; and Mena, AR. Towing services are available.
Due to the length of the many steep grades on the route, commercial traffic is strongly discouraged from using this route. Recreational vehicles and vehicles with recreational trailers are advised of the need to check and rest their brakes. The route has no paved shoulders and no areas to pass.
The route receives no plowing or sanding in the winter months and is considered closed during seasons of snow and ice. Year-round, low-hanging rain clouds or smoke from springtime prescribed fire, will cause fog-like conditions on the route and increase driving time. Travelers should also be careful when driving if fog is present.
Due to the winter cold and the lack of electricity along the route, many facilities close for the season. Travelers are encouraged to call the U.S. Forest Service in advance for days of operation and up-to-date recreation and facility information.
All of the visitor centers and points of interest associated with the Talimena Scenic Drive, except the Robert S. Kerr Nature Center, have barrier-free facilities and welcome byway travelers with physical challenges.
Restrictions
Temporary closure of the Byway is possible during winter months due to snowfall.
Seasons
- Best Time to Drive
The splendors of the new spring greens and the fall color season enhance the vividness of the views and will maximize your experience.
- High Season
The fall color season also attracts the highest number of vehicles and tour buses at any one time, particularly on the weekends and at the facilities. The best fall color can be seen the last weekend of October through the second weekend of November.
