Talimena Scenic Byway

Spanning the highest mountain range between the Appalachians and the Rockies, the 54-mile Talimena Scenic Byway opens a showcase of natural beauty and extraordinary views. Wide valleys and majestic peaks stretching to the horizon mirror the changing colors and moods of the South's four distinctive seasons. One breathtaking panoramic view follows another as this national forest scenic byway winds along the crests of the Oachita mountains between Mena, AR, and Talihena, OK.

Just north of the town of Mena, the scenic byway meanders along the crest of Rich Mountain. Atop Rich Mountain lies the Queen Wilhelmena State Park and the Queen Wilhelmena Lodge which served as our home base for the weekend. Our ride started at the Lodge and went along the byway for 42 miles, making the round trip ride 84 miles. Paul and I both had every intention of cycling the entire 84 miles when we started out. That changed quickly as we started up the first few mountains.

We found ourselves riding over the peaks rather than around them. The hills are steep and include 2 climbs over 1500 ft. We would grind our way up one side and then find ourselves screaming down the other side. The steeper it got and the more we climbed, the more tired our legs were. There is very little traffic on the byway (mostly motorcycles) and what traffic is there usually is taking it slow so they can enjoy the views. It was best to look around and take in the views while climbing in order to take our minds off the constant grinding. Looking straight ahead only showed us the hill we were climbing and sometimes the next hill coming up.

We made it to the lunch stop which was at 40 miles. I stopped at this point and helped with the SAG driving. Paul had lunch and then headed back to see how far he could go. After about 2 miles of climbing the hills, he stopped as well. We headed back to the Lodge, picked up our truck, and went back out to check on the other riders. Some were walking the steep hills while others were still pedaling. The return trip included what's known as 3-mile hill. Yes, you can just imagine what kind of climb this is. On the way down, I remember pulling on my brakes almost the entire time.

Back at the lodge and cleaned up for dinner, the Buffet awaits. Our group met for dinner and reminisced over the days events. We congratulated those who made the entire 84 miles as well as everyone who rode any part of the byway. Let me assure you, this is not a beginner ride. It is one of the most challenging rides we have ever done. And one of the most beautiful.

Even if you don't ride bikes, it's worth the trip just to drive the byway and see the beauty of the mountains.

Bicycling in Colorado

We enjoy spending time in the summer in Summit County, Colorado. In fact, we enjoy the weather and cycling so much that we try to go almost every year. This part of Colorado caters to bicyclists of all skill levels with miles of paved bike/hike trails between Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail, and more. Between Summit County and Vail Valley, there are over 400 miles of trails and back country roads. Some of our favorite rides include riding up Vail Pass, Loveland Pass, Montezuma, Glenwood Canyon, and Swan Mountain Road around Lake Dillon.

One of our most challenging rides is always from Frisco up to Vail Pass and down into Vail Village. Of course, then you have the return trip, too. From Vail Village back up to Vail Pass is 15 miles with 2,500 ft of climbing. About half of this part of the return is on an old abandoned road the remainder is bike trail. Once back at the summit, we are rewarded with almost 15 miles of downhill to Frisco. If you only want the downhill portion of the ride, the local bike shops will take you to the top of Vail Pass and let you ride down.

One of the easiest rides is around Lake Dillon and on up to Keystone Resort. In the past, we have had to climb Swan Mountain Road (with the vehicular traffic) on the return. But it is well worth it for the views. Since our last visit, they have completed the bike path over about half of this section. If you don't want the climb, however, just turn around and follow the same route back. Be sure to make a stop at the Osprey viewing. We've seen baby osprey's in the nest in previous years.


A little west of Vail is Glenwood Springs. You can pick up the Glenwood Canyon trail near the hot springs and ride for about 17 miles at a 1-2% grade along the river, then turn around and have a slight downhill for the return. Do this ride early in the day, though, because the wind can pick up in the afternoon and the downhill won't seem downhill at all.

You can choose to take an easy ride along Lake Dillon or challenge yourself with a trip up to Vail Pass and beyond. For the true hill climbers, there are several passes you could enjoy riding.... Tennessee Pass, Fremont Pass, Loveland Pass, Independence Pass, and more. You are sure to find a 14,000 ft climb if that's what you are looking for.

We didn't cycle every day. There are many, many great hiking trails. Although, at times, we like to cycle in the morning and do a short hike in the afternoons. And, yes, we do take a day off every now and again but the area is so beautiful that we want to be outdoors enjoying it. One of our favorite hikes is Shrine Ridge Trail along a mountain ridge with lots of wildflowers. We also like the hike up Mount Royal which is along the bike trail in Frisco. But, fare warning, if you are not used to steep hikes, your legs may not be in shape for cycling the next day.

There are several day trips we have enjoyed. Rocky Mountain National Park is about 2 1/2 hours from Frisco. Mount Evans is about 1 hour away and the Coors Brewery is about 1 hour away. We love the drive over Independence Pass which brings us to Aspen. And we may just hang out in Summit County or drive over to Vail Valley. There is always something going on in this part of Colorado.

All in all, this is still one of our favorite spots and we highly recommend Frisco and Summit County as a very affordable and bicycle friendly location for vacationing.