Originally Posted by
STRaider
If you're going to Hot Springs anyway, go via the Talimena Scenic byway. It starts in Talahina, Oklahoma and runs 54 miles across a mountain range (as good as we have in these parts) ending in Mena, Arkansas. Hot Springs is a very nice 70 mile drive from there. This will be much, much more pleasant than running up 30. Half the ride to Talihena is not that great, but still better than Interstate. This is my favorite overnight ride to make from the Dallas area. I like to go up 75 north, just past Atoka, Oklahoma, then take 43 to and around Sardis Lake, and then hwy 2 into Talahina. From 43 on is a good ride.
Safe Travels.