Talimena National Scenic Byway

Several years ago, a new family started attending the church where we regularly worship.  They had recently moved to our area from Oklahoma.  DH mentioned that he had never been to Oklahoma.  This family told us that if we ever had a chance to go, we should spend some time in and around the Ouachita mountains.  They described how beautiful and peaceful the area is.  I made a quick note in my Simply Notepad app on my phone so I would remember the name of the area.

So fast forward 5+ years later and I remembered (ok, with the help of the note I still had in my app) to see where the Ouachita mountains are and whether we could incorporate a scenic drive on our Middle States itinerary.  Sure enough, as we head out from Hot Springs, we can take the Talimena National Scenic Byway right through the Ouachita National Forest on our way across Oklahoma.

We plan to stay at the Big Cedar Cabins & RV Park before following the Talimena Scenic Byway for part of its 54 miles.  There are multiple places to pull over and gaze.  Several years ago we made a trip that took us from Utah and Idaho around to Wyoming and Montana (and some places beyond).  We were driving from Idaho to Yellowstone one day with our route taking us straight through the Grand Teton National Park.  If you've not been to GTNP, this is not somewhere you just drive through to get to Yellowstone.  We stopped at nearly every pull-over to just observe the no-words-for beauty of God's creation and breathe the fresh, clear air.  After the first few stops, I was lamenting that we had not planned to spend the night at the GTNP lodge and head to Old Faithful cabins the following day.  (This was a we-didn't-know situation because I didn't spend much time researching the route - we also missed going to see where the Golden Spike was because I didn't look west from our route when planning our trip.  I mention all this to provide some context as to why I am spending as much time as I am on the details of our journey this time.)  Because of our experience through GTNP, my research into the Talimena Scenic Byway points of interest show me that we will have ample opportunity to stretch our legs, observe nature, and breathe some fresh, clear air!

So what about you?  When you're traveling, do you like to just drive straight through?  Or do you take the time to pull over and just experience the moment of where you are?  Is there a scenic drive you've taken that we should add to our itinerary (or include on a future trip)?  Drop us a note in the comments!

~ Cindy D.