Oklahoma usually isn’t a state that comes to mind when you think about stunning road trips, but don’t judge too quickly. The Talimena National Scenic Byway in Oklahoma is a jaw-dropping drive that will take you along epic scenery with majestic views of the surrounding topography. You’ll traverse through mountains you never knew existed in this underrated state and it’s a stunning drive you’ll never forget.
The Talimena National Scenic Byway is a 54-mile drive that winds you through Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest in southern Oklahoma and into Arkansas. The road was built in the 1960s and offers two lanes of majestic views for anyone lucky enough to take the drive.
google photos/barry maxted
The drive is so spectacular and doesn’t look like what most people vision the topography looking like in Oklahoma.
gettyimages/zrfphoto
You can make it a full-day trip or if you don’t want to make any stops along the way you can make the drive in about two hours.
getty images/asad zaidi
During your road trip, you’ll encounter majestic evergreen and deciduous trees.
gettyimages/zrfphoto
The drive is gorgeous in every season but if you get the chance to visit during autumn, it’s quite spectacular.
getty images/raksyBH
As you can imagine, the sunsets in this part of the state are otherworldly and put on quite a show for any observer lucky enough to catch one on a clear night.
getty images/Don Blake Prairie Wind Photography
Along the route, there are no service stations so be sure your car is gassed up and ready to hit the road. The drive starts near Talihina, Oklahoma, and ends in Mena, Arkansas so these towns are two good options for getting snacks and gas.
gettyimages/zrfphoto
If you’re interested in learning more about the drive, including a map you can download, visit the official website of the Talimena National Scenic Byway.
google photos/barry maxted
gettyimages/zrfphoto
getty images/asad zaidi
getty images/raksyBH
getty images/Don Blake Prairie Wind Photography
Curious what this drive looks like in the dead of winter? if so, check out this previous article filled with snowy drive pictures.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Talimena National Scenic Byway, OK-1 Scenic, Talihina, OK 74571, USA
