From Hochatown to Heaven: Discovering the Talimena Scenic Byway

If you’re anything like us here at Blazing Trails, you are eternally grateful for the autumn weather closing in after this summer. It feels like it’s been suffocatingly hot for ages, but now we finally have cooler weather! It’s time to enjoy hot morning coffee, walks outside in the sun, and a hot apple cider before bed while binging Gilmore Girls. Halloween is just around the corner, and after that, the holidays will sneak up on us before we know it.

In an effort to savor this season between being burned alive and frozen to death, we like to take sight-seeing trips where the fall colors really show. One trip that we cannot recommend enough is the Talimena Scenic Byway. It is a fairly short drive on its own, but there are countless little spots to take a walk in nature or just bask in the glorious fall foliage. We want to share this experience with you and give you the best resources to have a fantastic scenic drive!

Geographic and Historical Context

The Talimena Scenic Byway is a stretch of road running over 50 miles from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas. Without stops, the highway takes about an hour to fully traverse. It’s grand views and pleasant route are enough to make the byway a travel-worthy destination, but that’s not all that makes it unique. The Ouachita Mountain Range runs east to west instead of north to south, like most other mountain ranges. [1] A large variety of flora and fauna make their home in these mountains, which we do not have the space to get into on this blog post. There are numerous great sources on that subject and if you are curious, and you can start here. The Talimena Scenic Drive Association boasts “the most breathtaking vistas our states have to offer,” and “historic gateway towns with open arms and outstanding events to fill your days.[2]” The drive spans the Ouachita National Forest, and, especially close to Hochatown, follows the Ouachita Mountain Range. Take a look at this map[3] from the Federal Highway Administration!

Wikipedia claims that there are “22 scenic vista pullouts”[4]and many sources emphasize the hiking trails just off the byway. The elevation and terrain in the Ouachita Mountains along the scenic highway aren’t conducive to tree farming, so that made it possible to build such a highway. [5]

Built primarily for sightseeing purposes, the byway was constructed in 1969 and was referred to as “Oklahoma State Highway 1” until 1989, when it gained the name it is known by today. [6]Lyndon B. Johnson’s daughter, Lucy, dedicated the state highway in 1970[7]. It has since been traversed by innumerable visitors each year, with peak seasons being spring (when there are beautiful wildflowers) and fall.

Traveling from Hochatown

A scenic one-hour drive north on Highway 259 will lead you straight to the legendary Talimena Scenic Byway. Facebook user Todd Peele recommends turning it into a full-day adventure: cruise along the Talimena Byway to soak in the sweeping mountain vistas, then head toward Talihina and take the Indian Highway back down to Hochatown. Honestly, we couldn’t imagine a more perfect loop for a road trip! Whether you choose to travel west toward Talihina or east toward Mena, both destinations are within about two hours of Hochatown and offer incredible views, small-town charm, and plenty of photo-worthy stops. During this time of year, Highway 259 and the Indian Highway are especially stunning, lined with colorful foliage and rolling hills that make the drive just as beautiful as the destination itself. So pack some snacks, roll the windows down, and enjoy every winding mile of this unforgettable route.

Practical Tips for Travelers

The weather around this time of year is typically mild and pleasant—perfect for a day of exploring. You can expect daytime highs in the mid-70s[8], making it comfortable for both driving and hiking. Mornings and evenings tend to be cooler, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers that you can easily add or remove throughout the day. The USDA Forest Service notes that weather conditions in this region can shift quickly, especially during the fall season. Thunderstorms are fairly common, [9]so it’s wise to pack a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella just in case the skies decide to surprise you.

When it comes to driving, be mindful that humidity and rapidly changing temperatures can create fog, particularly along higher elevations near the mountaintops[10]. The USDA advises keeping an eye on visibility and always checking weather conditions before you hit the road. That said, the Talimena Scenic Byway is by no means considered a dangerous drive; it’s well-paved, well-maintained, and generally an easy, enjoyable ride. Still, a little extra caution never hurts, especially when winding through the mountains.

It’s also worth noting that amenities are limited once you’re on the byway. Most services such as restaurants, restrooms, and hotels are found near Talihina and Mena at either end of the route[11]. There are no gas stations along the byway, so be sure to fill up your tank before you go. A little preparation ensures a worry-free adventure.

Once you’re ready to explore, plan to spend some time outside of your vehicle. While the drive itself is breathtaking, the true magic of the Talimena Scenic Byway is found when you pull over and step into the landscape. There are dozens of scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and hiking trails that allow you to experience the Ouachita Mountains up close. Whether you tackle a short trail or simply stop for a photo op, each viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the rolling ridges and endless skies. As daylight hours get shorter approaching winter, aim to enjoy your outdoor adventures during the daytime so you can fully appreciate the views.

Nature is still lively this season, so take a few precautions when spending time in the woods. Insects like mosquitoes and ticks are still active—wear light-colored clothing to help spot ticks, and bring insect repellent to stay comfortable. Keep an eye out for ant mounds and remember that snakes sometimes hide in pine needles or leaf piles, blending perfectly with the forest floor. As for larger wildlife, you might spot raccoons, opossums, or even a black bear. These animals are typically shy but can be drawn in by food, so be sure not to feed them. It’s best to admire any wildlife from a safe distance and leave no trace behind.

All in all, a trip along the Talimena Scenic Byway during this season offers a perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and natural beauty. With a little planning and a sense of curiosity, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable journey through some of Oklahoma and Arkansas’s most scenic mountain landscapes.

Visitor Experiences

Testimonials

Though the byway occupies a small corner of the world, there are plenty of testimonials about its beauty. Don’t just trust our website, trust the words of other living, breathing people with diverse experiences and views. Looking at blogs online, at Facebook, or even in Reddit comments, users seem to have very positive things to say about the drive! We recommend visiting Facebook groups about the byway or Tripadvisor for trail closure information and possibly “hidden” treasures off the road!

“An amazing drive. My late husband and I took Turkey Sandwiches one Thanksgiving and drove the Talamena!!! One of my favorite memories. Love that we often get to enjoy the leaves turning AT Thanksgiving!![12]“- Facebook user Clancy Grace

“Finally got to do the Talimena Scenic Drive…We just ended the route, and it’s very pretty although we definitely missed the peak. 2/3 into the drive, most trees had no leaves. We also took the 82 South, that gave us some beautiful views as well[13].” – Facebook user Denise Dean-Langeslag (November 30, 2024)

“We were here during the last week of October, and the foliage was showing just light yellows and patches of autumn colors on the still mostly-green trees.  We stopped at every overlook and enjoyed panoramic vistas of forested peaks in Quachita National Forest. Especially during the early morning hours, we saw areas with shades of green in the foreground forests and blue haze in the distant mountains[14].” – Lowes Travels (November 6, 2014)

“What an experience! I find it hard to imagine how they could have designed and built such a beautiful drive. Take your time and enjoy the drive.[15]” – Tripadvisor user Greg P (January 2022)

Photos

If the testimonials don’t convince you, maybe the photos will! Here are some of our favorite images we’ve seen on social media, other blogs, and travel sites!

More Resources

There is a TON of information out there regarding the Talimena Scenic Byway, and one blog post simply will not be able to summarize everything! We want every visitor to make the most out of their Talimena Scenic Byway trip this season, so we’ve put together some sources for you to check out:

• If you plan to stop in Mena, here is a website with all you need to know: https://visitmena.com/

• If you prefer traveling to Talihina, the Talihina Chamber of Commerce has put together a guide to make the most of your visit: https://talihinacc.com/

• Interested in hang-gliding? Here’s a company that will take you on an incredible hang-gliding trip from Panorama Vista and other fun spots in the area: https://www.okparagliding.com/

• We know that road condition information can be incredibly important for motorcyclists, so visit here for a complete guide on riding the byway:https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/talimena-scenic-byway-motorcycle-guide

• Here is a potential weather forecast into November, so you know what to expect on your trip:https://www.holiday-weather.com/talimena-national-scenic-byway/forecast/

Thanks for reading this far! If you’re new here, we are Blazing Trails, a property management company in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. We live and breathe Southeastern Oklahoma and we thrive on sharing our experiences and knowledge with others! Our hope is that you get the most out of your visit to Hochatown. Even if you aren’t staying at any of our cabins, we’d love to help you find adventure and beautiful sights. But if you are looking for a place to stay while traversing the Talimena Scenic Byway, take a look at our cabins! They’re comfortable inside and out, built to make lasting memories.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful time on the Talimena Scenic Byway.