There’s nothing like a picture-perfect autumn drive to get you into the spirit of the season. Cool mountain air and fantastic foliage combine to make this route one of the most gorgeous in the state. Read on to learn why you should make time to drive the Talimena Scenic Drive this autumn.

The Talimena Scenic Drive is a scenic 54-mile stretch of highway that will take you through the Ouachita National Forest.

Flickr/Alex Butterfield

You’ll see the Winding Stair Mountains decked out in their full autumnal glory.

Tripadvisor/Alex Butterfield

The road cuts right through stunning old growth woods that offer breathtaking canopies of copper- and gold-hued leaves.

Tripadvisor/Tony B.

Driving the full route will take you from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena Arkansas. There are 22 scenic vista pull-outs along the way so you can admire the stunning views.

Facebook/Talimena National Scenic Byway

If you drive without stopping, this route will take you about an hour and ten minutes. Of course, we definitely recommend pausing to admire the view at the many scenic overlooks along the way.

Flickr/Alex Butterfield

Tripadvisor/Alex Butterfield

Tripadvisor/Tony B.

Facebook/Talimena National Scenic Byway

Have you taken the Talimena Scenic Drive in the fall? What other scenic fall drives do you recommend?

For more Oklahoma beauty, check out these 19 photos that prove fall in this state is like nowhere else in the world.

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