Talimena Scenic Drive

The wife and I took this route going to the Kriver campground from Hot Springs, Ar. just to be clear once you pass Mena and get deep into the roads we were in a valley with mountains on both sides of us nothing else for a long ways. We did not see any cars but 1 on the road the hole time we were on that road. We were riding on fumes not kidding. No cell service either. Just make sure you are toped off with fuel and something to drink cause it’s a long walk in any direction for anything.

This is a great ride, be sure to bring water and don’t take a chance on fuel. There is no where to get a drink or fuel on the drive itself. Talihina doesn’t have much, but Mena on the other side has a great steak house. (I can’t remember the name) the drive itself has tons of pull offs for great pictures as well as historical markers.

I worked in Mena, AR back in 2011, this is the east end of the Talimena Scenic Byway. It rolls along the ridge of the Ouachita Mtn, so the views are excellent the entire way. The road is just technical enough to be fun, but not so much that it is difficult. There are several great pullouts to stop and take in the country side. You will end up in Talihina, OK. Highly recommend running it both directions. Skyline Cafe in Mena was an inexpensive nice little joint then, not sure about now.