Mena to Cossatot Falls: easiest, quickest route

[Tim Eubanks]

I've only gone from the falls to Mena one time and had good directions. We always come in from the east. What's the best route from Mena to the falls?
What I'm after is a short cut. We went across Sandbar bridge and came out on 71 somewhere. Is that quicker that going all the way around and hitting 278?

[Ouachitoff]

Hmm. In my opinion, I would think coming south from Mena and taking 278, then taking Weyco Road 52600 up to the falls would be fastest, if only because it's paved till you hit the forestry road.

[Tim Eubanks]

The time I drove out to Mean the local experts advised me to take the road that crossed Sandbar. I was in a hurry to make a connection. Dirt roads are not an issue if they save some time.

[sig]

Doesn't the Sandbar road take you to 278 near Wickes?

[sig]

It's a short drive to 246 too and then head west to Mena.

[Cabra Loca 87]

If coming from Mena heading south on Hwy 71/59 you can turn left on the road just before the Lighthouse Cafe which is on the right (not to be confused with Whitehouse Cafe). It will immediately cross over the train tracks and will be paved for about a mile. Keeping going straight until you see a sign pointing to the Falls which will be a slight left. It will have been a dirt/gravel road for a while. Stay on that till you cross Sandbar. This is a total of about 6 miles.

I dont know how much time it saves, but it is a different route in. I dont remember at what level the water is going over Sandbar Bridge, but keep in mind that if it is this will be about 6 miles wasted. You would have to go back to Hwy 71 or 278 to get to the Falls the normal way.

Good luck.

[T Yamashita]

Tim, go by the state park hq if you're going to the falls. If you're going to Ed banks, take the northern paved road to the Putin. My 2 cents.
Ty

[ARzach]

Tim, go by the state park hq if you're going to the falls. If you're going to Ed banks, take the northern paved road to the Putin. My 2 cents.
Ty

This is good advice, IMO.

--Z