Oklahoma Fall Foliage Guide

Boiling Springs State Park A 50 A Alabaster Caverns State Park

50 Boiling Springs State Park 34 C

50 B

Woodward

Mooreland

State Highway 50B, east of Woodward: 6 miles

E

Spend a day lost in the beauty of autumn as the wooded hills overlooking Oologah Lake present their gorgeous fall hues. Or follow the Skull Hollow Nature Trail at Oologah Lake and explore this winding path through a majestic oak-hickory forest. Many recreational activities are provided by the lake, such as swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and hunting. Make sure to visit the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch in nearby Oologah and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore for a look through the life and times of this well-known Oklahoman. Another interesting look through the past may be found at the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum, which spans six centuries of firearms history.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Osage Hills State Park

South of Sulphur: 7 miles

75

Gaze upon one of southern Oklahoma’s most beautiful fall drives. The area surrounding the Lake of the Arbuckles abounds with acres of towering pines and nature’s magnificent scenery. The lake’s recreation area also offers an intriguing nature center and excellent nature trails. For an exciting side trip, visit the nearby Chickasaw Cultural Center to experience the vibrant, ongoing story of the Chickasaw Nation. Another area of enchanting fall foliage can be found at Turner Falls, a water wonderland located just south of Davis on U.S. Highway 77.

F

Bartlesville

60

60

35 Osage Hills State Park

Great Salt Plains State Park C Great Salt Plains State Park

Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge 38

Jet

The lush timbered areas of the Great Salt Plains region show off an amazing array of colors as summer turns to fall. The various hardwood, locust, cottonwood, post oak, hackberry and willow trees create a stunning canopy of radiant reds, yellows and oranges throughout the Great Salt Plains State Park and adjoining Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, as well as a topographical contrast to the surrounding wheat fields of northwestern Oklahoma. View ducks, geese and water birds from sky level at the refuge’s observation tower, or take a journey along one of the marked nature trails to see more of the fall foliage and observe deer and wild turkey in their natural habitat. The state park also serves as a wonderful spot to camp, hike, fish, picnic or just sit back and enjoy the sunset over Great Salt Plains Lake.

D

State Highway 77, south of Ardmore: 7 miles

Oklahoma’s largest state park wonderfully exhibits fall foliage along Hickory Creek and is a terrific weekend getaway drive. Rental cabins and camping facilities provide a great opportunity to stay and relax amid peaceful autumn scenery or to enjoy any of the numerous activities that this resort affords. Guided trail rides, golfing, fishing, scuba diving, hiking and bird watching offer fun for everyone in the family.

69

McAlester 270

Unlock the beauty tucked away in the Osage Hills as autumn bursts into vibrant colors. This state park encompasses a dense hardwood forest with mostly post and blackjack oak timber as it meets Sand Creek. Full park facilities, including fishing, camping and cabin rentals, provide for a great getaway. For an adventure through Wild West history and a look at nature during its stunning season of change, visit the Woolaroc Museum on State Highway 123 between Bartlesville and Barnsdall. Birch Lake, located immediately south of Barnsdall, is yet another point of interest along this drive.

G

Hinton

8

State Highway 60, west of Bartlesville: 15 miles

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park

281

State Highway 38, north of Jet: 15 miles

Lake Murray State Park Turner Falls Park

State Highway 88, north of Claremore: 12 miles

Plan a getaway at Boiling Springs State Park, a virtual oasis on the plains, where clear, running water and tall hardwood trees intertwine with the sand-hill and sagebrush landscape of western Oklahoma. Capture the glow of tall cottonwood trees that flaunt their golden hues above the waters of the North Canadian River. Hiking, camping, golfing and exploring the state park nature trails are great activities for a fun fall retreat. Boiling Springs’ four cabins have fireplaces to keep you nice and toasty on those crisp autumn nights. To extend your western Oklahoma adventure, head to the nearby town of Waynoka, where you can hit the dunes with dune buggy rides along the sand at Little Sahara State Park.

B Turner Falls Park

Oologah Lake

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park Lookeba

State Highway 8, south of Hinton: 10 miles

This glorious display of fall color appears earlier than most, as the eastern species in the sheltered bottomland peak two weeks prior to the native species on the uplands of the canyon. Sugar maples offer vibrant color, set against the red stone canyon walls, making for a dramatic landmark amongst the plains of western Oklahoma. Experience nature this fall with the wonderful hiking and camping available at the park.

Robbers Cave State Park

2 Robbers Cave State Park Poteau

Talimena Wilburton State Park 271

Lake Wister State Park

1

H

State Highway 2, north of Wilburton: 5 miles

Discover fall’s amazing change of color in this great hideaway, and marvel at the hardwood trees and pines that tower among acres of rocky landscape.

The dazzling array of reds, oranges and yellows dominate the lush Sans Bois Mountains in the fall, making for incredible views as you drive along State Highway 2. Camping facilities and the Belle Starr Lodge provide an opportunity to stay awhile and admire this area’s colorful history and spectacular scenery.

Roman Nose State Park

Roman Nose State Park

8 A

8

33

44

Miami

Grove

69 10

Chouteau

412

Tahlequah

Muskogee

40

Sallisaw

Tahlequah

40

McCurtain County Wilderness Area Hochatown State Park

51

Take an excursion along the eastern side of the state for a full day or weekend to experience a fascinating display of fall color. The long, winding roads and rolling hills make this a wonderful drive, beginning east of Miami, near Twin Bridges Area at Grand Lake State Park, and proceeding south along Grand Lake, paralleling the Illinois River. Pass along the east side of Lake Tenkiller to Tenkiller State Park, then take State Highway 10 west to State Highway 10A and 10 to Greenleaf State Park, just north of Gore, to see more of Oklahoma’s picturesque scenery. Consider The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park for outstanding overnight accommodations or take advantage of multiple recreational opportunities available at Tenkiller, Greenleaf and Sequoyah state parks.

K 59

Sallisaw Sequoyah’s Cabin

259

Beavers Bend State Park

3 70

Broken Bow

70

Idabel

East of Tahlequah: 51 miles

Rich forest and rolling mountains encompass the community of Stilwell and guide sightseers south for a breathtaking display of autumn’s beauty along U.S. Highway 59. In addition to this journey through fall foliage, learn the historical and cultural legacy of the Cherokee at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah or Sequoyah’s Cabin in Sallisaw.

M

South of Big Cedar: 57 miles

The mountains and clear rivers of southeast Oklahoma are most colorful in the fall, with vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange leaping into the sky.

Beavers Bend State Park on Broken Bow Lake is a prime destination to witness this ravishing display of nature’s hues, as well as one of Oklahoma’s favorite camping locations. The Lakeview Lodge and mountain cabins provide ample accommodations at Beavers Bend. The park’s Forest Heritage Center offers a fascinating look at the surrounding forest’s ecology, and the Mountain Fork River that runs through the park is a year-round favorite for trout fishermen. The park also offers float trips, paddleboats and other activities for the whole family.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge 58

Miami to Tahlequah; State Highway 82 to Gore: 133 miles

State Highway 51 and U.S. Highway 59

Cherokee Heritage Center

4

State Highway 10 J

Vinita

Claremore

State Highway 8A, north of Watonga: 7 miles

Rushing springs refresh the hardwoods in the canyon floor while the sun graces the chalk buttes and gypsum aglow with silver. This makes for a stunning autumn scene amid Oklahoma’s bright blue skies resting upon the ancient mesas.

Once a winter campground of the Cheyenne, Roman Nose is an astounding landscape known for its rich Indian history and natural beauty. Enjoy a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of work in any of the park cabins or lodge accommodations. Hike, play a round of golf on the stunning, canyon-style course or just kick back. Park visitors can enjoy unique activities like going on a guided trail ride or renting a teepee to sleep in.

T.B. Ferguson Home

Watonga

I

U.S. Highway 259

Big Cedar

N

Meers Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

44

Medicine Park

49 Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum

Lawton

NW of Lawton: 20 miles

Astonishing granite formations set the backdrop for the amazing color of post and blackjack oaks you’ll see displayed throughout this drive. Bring a camera to capture the radiant beauty of the refuge and indulge in entertaining activities such as rock climbing, camping and nature trails. Continue the drive from headquarters or the north refuge entrance to Meers, an old frontier gold mining ghost town, and enjoy the famous oversized Meersburgers at the Meers Store. Travel nearby to visit the early-day cobblestone resort town of Medicine Park or see a large collection of military artifacts at the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum.

To order an Oklahoma Travel Guide, Oklahoma Highway Map or other travel brochures, visit TravelOK.com/Brochures or call (800) 652-6552.

During the fall color season, visit TravelOK.com/Fall for frequent updates on the status of fall foliage around the state.

Talimena National Scenic Byway, State Highway 1 69

McAlester 270

2 Robbers Cave State Park Poteau

Talimena Wilburton State Park 271

Lake Wister State Park

1

L

East of Talihina: 50 miles

Perhaps Oklahoma’s most renowned fall foliage drive, this eminent display of autumn’s beauty invites viewers on a pathway through the Ouachita National Forest along the mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. Mile after mile of hardwoods and statuesque evergreen pines present an array of fall color and splendor. Explore beautiful Heavener Runestone Park and learn about the mysterious origins of its namesake stone or stop and camp nearby at either Talimena or Lake Wister state parks.

Robbers Cave State Park

The changing of the seasons means new opportunities for rest and recreation in Oklahoma. Schedule a weekend getaway around one of our many fall festivals, recreational outlets, performances and celebrations.

And don’t forget to make time to view Oklahoma’s exquisite fall scenery along one of our 14 recommended foliage tours.

Optimal viewing times for Oklahoma’s foliage are late October and early November, but these may vary depending on weather conditions. For up-to-date information about a specific drive, visit TravelOK.com/Fall.

287

56

64 64

OPTIMA LAKE

Beaver

Guymon

64

270

Waynoka

A

SO

8

283

Talimena National Scenic Byway

N

IA

Sayre

U.S. Highway 259 Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Clinton

Elk City N

.F

K

G ED

NA D

Altus

183

Meers

LAKE ELLSWORTH 44

49

70

Lone Grove

35

Tishomingo Ardmore LAKE 77 S

Beavers Bend State Park

Cover Image: Talimena National Scenic Byway

Atoka

D

70

TEXOMA 69

Durant

Sallisaw 271

H

2

Poteau

Wilburton 1

270

Clayton

ATOKA LAKE

64

ROBERT S. KERR RESERVOIR

L

HI

IC IAM

K

Hugo

59

Talihina

Big Cedar

R.

271

Antlers L TOL

Waurika

69

B

81

WAURIKA LAKE

Sulphur

77

Gore

K

59

82

Eufaula

Asher McAlester Ada Kiowa Pauls Valley 75

51

Stilwell Muskogee 62

LAKE EUFAULA

177

62

Tahlequah

Henryetta

Shawnee

Norman

L

266

LAKE THUNDERBIRD

Duncan

277

DEEP FORK R. 62

59

412

FORT GIBSON LAKE

TO L

Okmulgee

40

277

N

44

Prague

R.

Chickasha

Lawton Frederick

N

GRAND LAKE O’ THE CHEROKEES

69

64

L

10

E

Claremore

75

L TO

J

Grove

TOLL

62

SALT FK. RED R.

IA

Sapulpa

Vinita

88

Tulsa

Miami

OOLOGAH LAKE

169

R.

Osage

TOLL

59

Foyil

Collinsville

Stroud 44

Tuttle

Anadarko

Hobart

62

CA

WASHITA R.

.

Mangum Hollis

RT H

281

R

177

Oklahoma City

8

.R

283

270

N SA

KEYSTONE LAKE

NO

Hinton

40

64

Stillwater

Guthrie

Watonga

R.

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park

D

Osage Hills State Park

A

A

60

Pawhuska S

412

Bartlesville

F

60

75

RK

Perry

35

81

R.

Oologah Lake

N O

State Highway 51

I

8

64

A TOLL

Hennessey

RR

Lake Murray State Park

183

Enid

Ponca City

177

R.

77

A

State Highway 10

270

FORK

38

Fairview

CANTON LAKE

A N

Great Salt Plains State Park

60

C

M

Roman Nose State Park

281

Jet

SALT

60

CI

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

412

CA

Robbers Cave State Park

Blackwell

Cherokee

183

Woodward

Boiling Springs State Park

81

281

Buffalo

BEAVER R.

LL

CIMARRON R.

Boise City

TO

Want to make lodging or camping reservations at an Oklahoma State Park for your fall foliage viewing trip?

Visit TravelOK.com/Parks.

Tenkiller State Park

M 259

BROKEN BOW HUGO LAKE LAKE

Broken Bow

LITTLE R.

Idabel 259