Beautiful and relaxing drive from Talihina to Mena

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On a 54-mile stretch of Oklahoma 1 there are gorgeous views no matter what time of year, but especially in the fall.
You can't travel fast but the highway from Talihina in LeFlore County's Talimena State Park through the Ouachita National Forest is worth the hours invested.
The highway takes you through ancient forests of hardwoods and pines with small waterfalls in the rocks.

Oklahoma 1 becomes Arkansas 88 on its way into Mena, Ark., and it's called the Talimena drive. I must have heard it said 3 or 4 times before I could understand what they were recommending. 

The Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area has a campground for warmer days. But the drive itself has lots of beauty to absorb.

There isn't anything to do along the drive and when you arrive at Mena Arkansas, there isn't much there.

If a relaxing overnight in a rustic setting seems like a good idea, consider the Queen Wilhemina State Park Lodge.

As a drive or an overnight, taking the time to enjoy nature at this busy time of year seems like a luxury, but it really isn't.

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