Wife and I have seen two riders and a passenger die on the Talimena Drive. Take it easy and enjoy the ride/view.
Wife and I have seen two riders and a passenger die on the Talimena Drive. Take it easy and enjoy the ride/view.
In 2008, we took the advice of some friends in Arkansas to drive Highway 71 south from around Springdale, AR down to Mena. So, we did one day heading up through Tulsa to the Natural Falls State Park in OK and then on to Springdale and down. Spent the night down near Mena somewhere (maybe just off of I-40, and then we went on down to Mena and on to Talahina.
Day one was pretty good, but it was a bit too cloudy on the drive from Mena to Talahina for the colors to really be vivid.
Day one was pretty good, but it was a bit too cloudy on the drive from Mena to Talahina for the colors to really be vivid.
Elms are just showing a little yellowing. We don't need any old farts rubber necking driving 30 under looking at the sights.
Have done the Talimena drive several times and have been disappointed by going too soon. Generally around the first of November is a better choice. The last time we drove it we made a 2-3 day motorcycle trip of it and actually started from Eureka Springs AR down Hwy 23 thru the Boston Mtns on south to Mt. Magazine and then on to Mena before heading west on the Talimena drive. Traveling that far north to south you can't miss some awesome colors somewhere along the way
Can't recommend the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge enough!
www.arkansasstateparks.com
We don't like to 'follow the crowds' so I made the reservations in August '17 and had a great time just relaxing and enjoying the surroundings.
The restaurant was top notch while watching the many hummingbirds swarm the numerous feeders.
We really lucked out on our room selection having never been there before.
Will definitely be going back in the near future!
Queen Wilhelmina Lodge | Arkansas State Parks
Spend some vacation time with us relaxing at Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge. Whether you’re with the family, friends or it’s just the two of you, we have the perfect room. Select from two queen beds, a king bed or king suite. Four of the 40 guest rooms include cozy gas fireplaces...
The restaurant was top notch while watching the many hummingbirds swarm the numerous feeders.
We really lucked out on our room selection having never been there before.
Will definitely be going back in the near future!
there are scenic pull-offs ever few miles on the drive, so u can stop and look around ,,even hiking trails up on the drive,, last time i was there the speed limit was 50 on the Ark side and 55 on the OK side, so yes we dont need slow pokes driving 30 in a much faster speed zone.. two lane asphalt highway with NO shoulders.so yes drivers keep your eyes on the road,wild animals dart across the road too,..on the Ark side is Mena not any 5 star hotels there,,just a Wal mart super center and a lumber mill ,and Mena is the most well known place in North America for airplane "modifications",, this was where during bill clintons governship the CIA flew in unmarked C-130's full of cocaine, to fund the effort in El savador during Regans presidency again the soviet union in Nicaraguan,,so when Military weapons start showing up in the USA in drug dealers and violent gangs hands , you will know where they came from,, and why the border must be sealed up..Poteau OK is the largest city near by,, also some B&B nearby,, and dont forget to see the worlds largest Viking Runestone at Heavner OK.
We always leave that area at the end of August. We've talked about going later to see the aspens in all their glory. Our persimmons have already lost their leaves, and the walnuts are turning and shedding in the Ponca area. Walnuts are always the first to turn. Otherwise still green.
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Wow, where are your persimmons? Mine in south Tulsa are just starting to turn yellow.
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