With the weather finally cooling down, Oklahoma is one of the best places to be for fall hikes and stunning fall foliage views. If you’re looking for your next outing, these places are a great place to start.
Beavers Bend State Park
Located near Broken Bow, this park has some towering trees that will truly be a sight to behold when autumn hits. Hiking, biking, boating and fishing are all available, along with an 18-hole golf course to top off a weekend excursion. The Lookout Mountain Trail or the Skyline Trails are some of the best outings the park has to offer.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
Located in Talihina, this 54-mile route is known for its beautiful foliage sights. Combined with the hiking trails, this is one of the best spots for nature views in the entire state. There are twenty-two vista stops along the drive for you to take in the sights and some one-of-a-kind photos, as well as the Horse Thief Spring Trail and the Ouachita Trail, which moves into Arkansas, too.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Located near Cache, this refuge not only has stunning hiking trails, rocking climbing and fishing, but it also boasts some of the best wildlife viewing in the area. Over 60,000 acres house free range buffalo, cattle, prairie dogs, beavers, river otters, Rocky Mountain elk, deer and swaths of birds. Elk Mountain Trail and Charon’s Garden Trail are some of the top choices for your hiking journeys.
Robber’s Cave State Park
Located in Wilburton, this park is home to great trails as well as historical facts for those looking for a fun look into the past. Walk through the Mountain Trail or the Rough Canyon Trail and perhaps catch a glimpse at where former outlaws like Jesse James used to hide out before the law caught up to them.
Roman Nose State Park
Located in Watonga and named after a Cheyenne chief, this location has unique canyon views to take in during sunset hours. On top of fishing and golfing, there is the Mesa Loop Trail and the Lake Loop trail to really round out your fall foliage views.
Heavener Runestone Park
Nestled in Heavener, this park is home to a unique history coupled with the annual Heavener Runestone Viking Festival. The main trail leads directly to the runestone, which was discovered by a Choctaw hunting party in the 1830s and you’ll get some great views from the Poteau Mountains.
Lake Murray State Park
Found in Ardmore, this is Oklahoma’s first and largest state park with 12,500 acres of land to explore. Along with a great mix of water views and forested areas, the park has ATV campgrounds for those wanting to get in some driving views, too. Buckhorn Trail and Anadarche Trail are also must-see walks.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Located in Sulphur, this spot has gorgeous waterfalls, lovely springs and a striking selection of foliage for all your photo opportunities. Don’t miss the Bromide Hill, Trail or the Veterans Lake Trail for even more beautiful sights.
Main image cutline: The Talimena Scenic Byway is a must-visit for fans of fall foliage. Photo by Lori Duckworth/Oklahoma Tourism
