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35 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

The road was beautiful as always and is a great ride. It must be noted the the road condition on the Oklahoma side is poor. It has been repaved in spots with gravel and oil which creates a somewhat dangerous ride. Someone didn't use good judgement as the road has a large percentage of motorcycle traffic and the loose gravel is dangerous. Please use caution.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

The Talimena Scenic Byway is a wonderful ride heading East out of Talihina, OK on Hwy 1 transitioning into SH88 to Mena, AR. The 54 miles of good roads, excellent scenery and a combination of twisties and straightaways with a higher percentage of curves makes for an excellent ride through the Quachita National Forest! At the time of our ride, 3/30/15, the QUEEN WILHELMINA Hotel was under remodel.

WARNING: Please take note and extra caution when approaching the Eagleton Vista corner. This is about 5.4 miles West of Mena, AR. This corner is a triple threat do to its decreasing radius, negative camber and transitioning from slight uphill to downhill grade as you enter the turn.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Best time: Late October. Not a "10" due only to other traffic. Queen Wilhelmena Lodge good coffee stop. Will be lots of other bikes in the parking lot. Another road parallels the pkwy to the south; thought it might make a good loop ride. Nope, ugly road; stick to the pkwy. Another good ride is to Mt. Magazine, further north in Ark.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Rode the Skyway mid-week in early June of 2011.No traffic worries and plenty of opportunities to air out the Trophy. Elevation changes, beautiful views and twisties to delight any rider. What's not to like!
Booked two nights at the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge -very reasonable prices and the food was terrific. We were advised by the Lodge desk to be aware of Black Bears recently seen nearby!
Recommend an eatin" stop at Pam's Hateful Hussy Cafe in Talimina OK. Great comfort food, atmosphere and pie to die for. Forget counting the calories.
Mena AR, on the other end of the Skyway, is a good rider destination. A walking tour of the downtown area will not disappoint. Popular spot for motorcyclists from around the area. Multiple eateries to choose from, too.
Fall colors attract way too many cars and motorcycles. Although the scenery is outstanding, the constant stop n' go quickly gets annoying. Distracted cage drivers on your 'six' take all the pleasure from the ride.

82 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I've ridden this route several times and it is still amazing! Nice views and a great road. Always turn north at Mena and ride Hwy 23 back north!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Just got back from this ride, had the wife and some friends along, Hotter than an old wood burning stove, but still a great ride,beautiful scenery, some nice curves and long strait stretches,only 1 cop along the way, some of the vista's reminded me of the Cherahola Skyway since it was a lil hazy in the distance,highly reccommend it for a ride,,,,Hot or Cold,but would avoid it if there is any chance of rain d/t i hate sharp curves with water runnin off of the glasses.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I've ridden T. Ridge probably 30 times as I live in Okla. and am a CMA member ( hq. in mena ). I never get tired of the ride or the views. Be sure to go in late Oct for the changing of the colors, they are beautiful. These aren't the Rockies or the Smokies but for living in Okla it's like being there. Ride safe and watch out for the pine needles on the curves they have put riders down. In all the years and trips I have NEVER seen a four leg of any kind on the road or near it to cause dangerous riding. Mena has tons of motels but in the fall it can be difficult finding a room due to the popularity of the ride. God Bless and Safe riding.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Great roads and scenery. Check out Iron Cowboy Motrocycle Camp, great place to stay in Talihina

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This is a great ride. We started out in Oklahoma and headed to Mena. There are many places to pull off and get some good pictures. One of the first is "Panorama Vista" which offers almost a full 360 degree view of the valleys. Lenox and Grand View are a couple of the other great pull-offs. Most of the others were overgrown with trees/brush, making it difficult to see anything. The road quality is good, the only exception being a short section (3-4 miles) of tar and gravel surface which gets a bit rough in places.

No matter which way you're going, stop in at Skyline Grill in Mena, AR for some wonderful food. We stopped for lunch and had a great meal; some of the best food I've had. They serve breakfast all day, but were only open until 2pm on the Sunday we stopped in.

One note: Queen Wilhelmina Lodge is closed. There is nothing on the website, but it has been closed for a couple of years due to renovations. The park is still open, but there is NO access to the lodge area as of 7/21/2014.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This was such and awesome ride. We stayed in Hot Springs, so the ride to the start was equally good, but the actual Skyway is awesome, big swoopers, really get some wind in your face!! You see roads going up and over the next ridge from the top of the previous ridge, very cool experience!!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Road for 1 hr 10 min before seeing another vehicle! Even with a haze it was still breath taking. Will go again just not in March.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Rode it this morning,road in good shape, and today it was like being on the mountain all by your self

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Wanted to get away for the weekend and looked up rides near me. This one looked nice so we set out from Dallas area mid-day. Took about 3.5 hours to get to the start of the By-Way. The views were awesome and the turns and dips throughout the ride were great. The only negative was about 20% of the road on the Oklahoma side had been re-topped with rock over tar. This would not have been an issue except the gravel on top was still somewhat loose. I know that from all the tings of rocks bouncing off the bottom of the bike. I did take it slower in the turns and did not have any big issues, but it did worry me some. Once the warmer weather sets in this summer, I'm sure the gravel will imbed itself in the undercoating of tar. We did plan to make it to the ridge early in the afternoon but due to traffic, arrived late afternoon. It was a bit chilly even with hoodies and leather jackets but the ride was worth it. The wife and I did spot a wild turkey crossing the road and saw a whitetail doe on the edge of the woods. We were a bit sad not to see any black bear. Many others have stated seeing them but may have been too early in the year. Overall it was well worth the trip. After hearing many of the locals talk about all the fall colors, we will surely make the ride once again in say October.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Have rode this route several times and enjoy it each and everytime. one of my favorite routes in Oklahoma. I just wish there were more like it.
The road is patroled so be on the lookout.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Beautiful ride. We camped at the Queen Wilhemina State Park the night before and then rode it in the rain. The road is of such good quality that the rain didn't make much of a difference. There are some truly beautiful views at points along this route.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This is a fantastic ride and definitely recommend it to anyone. The food at Queen Willhemena Lodge leaves a lot to be desired so stop at the Chopping Block or Fish Net in Mena. Also if you are feeling energetic climb the Rich Mountain lookout tower for a fantastic view.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I rode from West to East in the early morning in June. Beautiful views and lots of animals on the road. I even saw a Roadrunner (beep, beep).My only negative about the ride was the dried grass on road due to recent mowing operations. Large clumps of weeds and grass in the curves kept speeds very low.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

We just rode this Memorial weekend 2010. Three of us rode to Poteau, OK from Wichita/Winfield, KS and one rode up from Dallas. Poteau was kind of a half way point for us. Best Western in Poteau was wonderful. Wister lake area proved to be a nice ride the evening we all arrived. Then one day for Talimena drive...and was it ever amazing. We're already planning an October visit to enjoy the fall colors. MUST SEE !!!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Awesome ride, I even meet a black bear crossing the road. I would go again in a heartbeat

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

The ride was nice very scenic, also saw a Black Bear, at area where a sign said Castle Rock or view. Road was good enough.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Take raingear if there's a chance of rain. Rode it in May on a 30% chance. I knew we were in trouble when the sky turned black and the clouds were lower than the mountaintop. The temperature dropped 20 degrees and the heavens opened up. Absolutely NO PLACE to get under and out of the weather. We made it to the lodge and with hypothermia setting in stumbled in looking like drowned alley cats. All booked up no rooms available. Since nightfall was coming quickly we headed for my buddies house in Fort Smith in that torrential downpour. We rode in that rain at night with no windscreen or helmets all the way. The most dangerous ride of my life.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I HAVE RIDDEN THIS ROAD SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 7 YEARS. IT IS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO RIDE AND THE VIEW NEVER GETS OLD. THIS IS A RIDE YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS. ALSO, THE QUEEN WILHELMINA LODGE IS A VERY NICE PLACE TO SPEND A NIGHT AND THE FOOD IS GOOD TOO. THE LODGE HAS AN EXCELLENT VIEW OF THE SURROUNDING TERRAIN. SAFE BIKING EVERYONE !!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I've ridden this route several times and it's always as great as the first time. We are making plans to ride from Mt Magizine into OK and pick up the Talimina Trail (west to east) to the lodge @ QWSP in May 2011---just around the corner. Be safe. watch the 'other guy' at all times!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great road! Only three hours from where we live in Texas and we try to make it at least once every month or so. The Lodge has the world's best coffee and the food is not bad either. If you're into camping, it's a wonderful spot and you may even see a bear or two. The bathrooms are clean and the water is hot.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Me and my wife love it ! We got to see a Mama Bear and her two Cubs.
The scenery was beautiful

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

After many years riding Arkansas roads I rate this route as 3. But for a great lunch try the buffet at the Lime Tree Motel, you will not be disappointed. The best riding in Arkansas is north of the Arkansas River.

42 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I have ridden this road twice once in the fall of 2017 to enjoy the beautiful fall color change and again in May of 2018.. Great little road with beautiful views.. The road is a little rough in spots but nothing that would make it not worthwhile.. Plan on riding again when the weather breaks..

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This trip was SWEET! Talimena National Scenic Byway was breath taking. We seen wildlife and passion flowers but seeing the road way ahead winding over the mountain tops knowing we would be there in a few short miles was amazing! We were lucky to get the last room at Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge. Great place to stay and we were shocked it was only $69.00 a night! I have great photo's of this ride if anyone wants them I love to share them snick@terraworld.net

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

I went in late fall and the trees were 1000 colors. It is a beautiful ride.

4 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Ran this for the first time yesterday. What a beautiful ride! Road is in good condition. Make sure to plan for time to stop at the vistas for pics and to enjoy the scenery!

160 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

This road is absolutely beautiful. Like the other reviews state, the Oklahoma side isn't the best, but as this road has mostly meandering corners, it's not bad. There are NO roadside amenities. There ARE plenty of beautiful places to pull out and enjoy the view. This is easily one of the better rides in Oklahoma.

4 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

In October 2020, I rode this with a buddy of mine. We are members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association and during their fall rally there 1,000 of motorcycles around Mena, Ak, just a few minutes from the CMA headquarters. We took this ride and it was a beautiful day. The asphalt was a little rough in texture, but being much better than the roads where we hail from (Northern WV), I was happy. The scenery is beautiful (living near some prime riding in WV that's a compliment). The neat thing is that you ride the ridge of the mountains as opposed on the side, so there are scenic overlooks on both sides of the road. Being a photo enthusiast with my camera equipment filling a whole saddle bag, I was torn between endless stops for photos, or continuing to ride. (I did more riding than shooting because my buddy isn't into photography, though he was patient with my indulgences.) We crossed over into Oklahoma and stopped for a photo op at the state line. After a while, we ended up getting lost and figured it was so nice, who cared where we went. We eventually found our way back into Mena. Can't wait to go again.

60 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

x2

6 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Great ride, good road, twisty, scenic..

53 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

On a VFR1200X

126 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

4+ for scenery and 4+ for ride enjoyment. A nice relaxing ride with plenty of corners and rolling hills. It is a skyway so you are going along a ridge with plenty of pullouts to take in great views. Traffic is minimal and so is access making it safer to enjoy. I would not have wanted to miss it.

126 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great ride

24 McR Points

Motorcycle Type :

Very good drive, would rate 4.5 stars.

10 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great ride. Rough road in some sections.

55 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Rode the Arkansas portion in late July in the rain. Good vistas and curves. Mostly mild curves but there are some surprise bank problems if you aren't on point. Good West to East track if you want to get away from traffic.

21 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring

Great road.

35 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Fantastic! Rode it three times in 2 days!

15 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Wonderful views.

20 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

beautiful mountain views!

50 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

best ride in the fall. long distance views are all along this road and the fall colors even make it better

6 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring

Great ride with beautiful scenery.

25 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Excellent ride

130 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Beautiful Ride

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Best time to ride there (today)

83 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Was just there again 3 wks ago and it's still one of my favorite rides. Nice smooth road with lots of scenic views. We saw a black bear for the first time.