Any advice for a Talimena run this fall? Places to stay, see etc ?

Danke.

 

What is the Talimena run? Never heard of it. I googled Talimena run and got info on a running and relay event. Is that to what you are referring?

 

http://www.talimenascenicdrive.com/

 

I did it several years ago. Stayed in Hot Springs, several nice rides from there. Had lunch at Willey's in Poteau OK. Very nice ride!!

 

It's a beautiful ride - well worth doing! It took us about half a day. We stayed at the Talihena end at the Hootie Creek House Bed & Breakfast based on the recommendation of some good person on this forum. Great place to stay with wonderful hosts who told us the best spots to stop on the scenic drive, where the best views were etc. We got up early and rode it first thing - the entire route was deserted - just fantastic.

 

Done that ride a few times, most recently on my 2011 KLR 650. Nice scenic route with a nice restaurant as you get into the Arkansas section - Queen Wilhelmina Inn at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Good food and great atmosphere. If you're starting in Oklahoma and continuing into Arkansas, you can definitely make the hop to Hot Springs, AR. Best time to do the trip is in September/October when the leaves are just changing colors.

 

Late October, early November is peak. In September the place is almost all green.

 

You're right. Late October would probably be the best time.

 

I have ridden the Talimena Skyway a few times, and have always stayed in Antlers, OK. Mena AR is a nice town and the food at the Butcher Block can't be beat.