{"id":10376,"date":"2020-10-16T13:50:08","date_gmt":"2020-10-16T19:50:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insearchofsukoon.com\/?p=10376"},"modified":"2020-11-05T14:53:47","modified_gmt":"2020-11-05T20:53:47","slug":"talimena-national-scenic-byway-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insearchofsukoon.com\/talimena-national-scenic-byway-7\/","title":{"rendered":"TALIMENA NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

If this is the first time you are hearing about the Talimena National Scenic Byway, then you are in for a treat.<\/h4>\r\n

Ever since we moved to Texas, one of our favorite thing to do around this time of the year is to enjoy the enthralling Fall foliage. Being in Dallas we are lucky that we are in a central location and a few hours away from places where you can enjoy this colorful, gorgeous play the nature stages every year.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Last year we made a trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas<\/a> early November and we were just in time to catch the tail end of the fall foliage. It was a much needed family get-away and you can read all about it and enjoy a virtual show here<\/a>.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This year we decided to do things a bit earlier and in a different manner.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

My husband, one of the few people I know who are such deep nature-lovers, found this scenic byway\u00a0 to witness the fall colors neither in the Smokies nor along the coast…but….wait for it…..<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Along Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas!!!!<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Before I go any further, in his defense, the destination had to be with 5 hours of drive from home (a request from me)<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A little about this hidden gem (was hidden for me)….<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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TALIMENA NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Entrance to the byway via Talihina, Oklahoma<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Talimena National Scenic byway is located in the thick Ouachita National Forest which is the oldest National Forest in the southern United States. It was designated a national byway in 2005 and spans a total of 54 miles (86.9 km) from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas. 36 miles fall in Oklahoma while the rest in Arkansas. Little did I know that it is a favorite drive route for motorcyclists and for people doing cross country road trips.\u00a0<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

BEST TIME TO VISIT<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This drive is most popular during Spring and Fall. I would assume fall would be more magnificent as one can witness and array of reds and golds along with the varying shades of greens peeking through.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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via-travelok<\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Fall colors are best visited between mid-October and early November depending on the weather. You can get weekly updates by visiting the Arkansas Tourism Website<\/a>.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you want to see the bright and vibrant greens, mid-April to end-May is the ideal time to do so.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

THE ROUTE<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The scenic byway can be accessed via either gateways, Mena, Arkansas or Talihina, Oklahoma.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Map of Talimena Scenic Byway<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We decided to enter the byway via Talihina, Oklahoma.\u00a0<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

From Dallas your main drive is on US 75-N, before entering Oklahoma.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We stopped for lunch at Roma<\/a> in Durant, Oklahoma. One of the main reasons for stopping at Roma Italian was gluten-free pizza. My son has food allergies and it was a blessing that he could also enjoy pizza like the rest of us. Since the restaurant was located on the happening Main Street, we also got to enjoy the annual Draggin Main Car Show.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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\"durant,<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We passed through various notable towns like Atoka & String town (famous for Reba McEntire and also for Bonnie & Clyde Shootout site).<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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\"atoka,<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"stringtown,<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We also got to see parts of the Choctaw Nation<\/a>, an American Indian territory covering acres of south eastern Oklahoma. It is the second largest Indian reservation in area after Navajo.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Choctaw Casino<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Just before reaching Talihina on OK-2 N, we came across the Sardis Lake, a reservoir in Pushmataha and Latimer counties created in 1980s as a result of dam being constructed. The highway actually runs right over the dam and you get to see the widespread of the lake.<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Lake Sardis<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

BEFORE THE START:<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n