The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas
An outlaw cave, then 54 miles of ridge-top road through the Ouachita Mountains to Mena and on to Hot Springs.
- Distance
- 282 km (175 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 08 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- States
- OK, AR
- Updated
- May 20, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 282 km (175 mi) with 7 stops, from Wilburton to Hot Springs. About 3 h 08 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Oklahoma, Arkansas
Route description
Start at Robbers Cave State Park north of Wilburton, where sandstone bluffs and a cave are tied to outlaw legends; it has lakes, trails and cabins. Back roads then lead south-east through farm valleys to Talihina, the western gateway to the byway.
The Talimena Scenic Drive (OK-1, becoming AR-88 at the state line) runs 54 miles along the crest of the Winding Stair and Rich Mountains. Pull-offs look over layered forest ridges; October brings the best color, and fog can settle on the ridge in any season.
The road is well paved but has steep grades and sharp bends, so larger RVs should go slowly and use low gear downhill. Near the eastern end, Queen Wilhelmina State Park sits on top of Rich Mountain with a stone lodge and campground, before the road drops into Mena.
From Mena, US-270 crosses the Ouachita National Forest past Lake Ouachita to Hot Springs, about two and a half hours away. Allow time for the bathhouses and a walk on the Grand Promenade at the end of the trip.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Wilburton
OK - 211 km
Robbers Cave State Park
NatureWilburton, OKSandstone bluffs and a cave said to have hidden outlaws like Belle Starr, in the forested San Bois Mountains. The short climb to the cave is fun for kids.
- 346 km
Talihina
OK - 435 km
Talimena Scenic Drive
ViewsTalihina, OKA ridge-top road along the Winding Stair and Rich Mountains, lined with pull-offs over the Ouachita forest. Best in October for fall color; grades are steep, so use low gear coming down.
- 540 km
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
ViewsMena, ARA stone lodge atop Rich Mountain, one of the highest points in Arkansas, first built by Dutch-backed railroad investors in the 1890s. Stop for the view even if you are not staying.
- 620 km
Mena
AR - 7131 km
Hot Springs
AR
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Wilburton → Talimena Scenic Drive · 57 mi · 1 h 02 minOn the way: Robbers Cave State Park, Talihina.Overnight nearby, for example: Big Cedar RV Park & Cabins (6 mi); Runestone RV Park (15 mi).
- Day 2: Talimena Scenic Drive → Mena · 37 mi · 0 h 39 minOn the way: Queen Wilhelmina State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Camp Pioneer (9 mi); Cossatot Falls Campground (18 mi).
- Day 3: Mena → Hot Springs · 81 mi · 1 h 27 minOvernight nearby, for example: Catherine's Landing (5 mi); Gulpha Gorge Campground (2 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas?
3-day road trip of about 282 km (175 mi) with 7 stops, from Wilburton to Hot Springs. About 3 h 08 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas start and end?
It starts in Wilburton and ends in Hot Springs.
Which states does The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas pass through?
Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Where can you camp along The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas?
OpenStreetMap lists 41 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Red Bud Group Camp, Red Bud Campground and Cossatot Falls Campground.
When is the best time for The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
