The season of changing colors is upon us again, and now is the perfect time to take in the sights. With the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing, a road trip around the states to take in the beautiful views of nature – plenty far away from anyone else – is an excellent way to get out of that house you’ve been cooped up in since March. The following list is hardly comprehensive, there are hundreds of incredible sights right outside our doors. But it’s a good place to start!
Oklahoma
Talimena National Scenic Byway
From Tulsa: 2 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 3 hrs 15 mins
Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma. Photo courtesy Vera Nelson Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma. Photo by William Rainey
Texas
Caddo Lake State Park
From Tulsa: 5 hrs
From OKC: 5 hrs 30 mins
Arkansas
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
From Tulsa: 3 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 5 hrs
Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area
From Tulsa: 3 hrs 45 mins
From OKC: 4 hrs 45 mins
Missouri
Big Cedar Lodge
From Tulsa: 3 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 5 hrs
Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri. Photo by Edward C. Robinson III courtesy Big Cedar Lodge Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri. Photo by Matt Suess Photography courtesy Big Cedar Lodge
Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail
From Tulsa: 3 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 5 hrs
Top of the Rock
From Tulsa: 3 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 5 hrs
Hermann
From Tulsa: 5 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 7 hrs
Big Piney River
From Tulsa: 4 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 6 hrs
Boone County, Highway 63
From Tulsa: 5 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 7 hrs
Boone County, Missouri. Photo by David Stonner courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation Boone County, Missouri. Photo by David Stonner courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Diana Bend Conservation Area
From Tulsa: 5 hrs 30 min
From OKC: 6 hrs 45 min
Greer Spring
From Tulsa: 5 hrs
From OKC: 6 hrs 30 mins
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
From Tulsa: 4 hrs
From OKC: 5 hrs 30 mins
Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri. Photo by Noppadol Paothong courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri. Photo by Noppadol Paothong courtesy Missouri Department of Conversation
Hartsburg
From Tulsa: 5 hrs
From OKC: 6 hrs 30 mins
Hawn State Park
From Tulsa: 6 hrs 15 mins
From OKC: 7 hrs 45 mins
Hickory Canyons Natural Area
From Tulsa: 6 hrs 15 mins
From OKC: 7 hrs 30 mins
Hickory Canyons Natural Area, Missouri. Photo by David Stonner courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation Hickory Canyons Natural Area, Missouri. Photo by David Stonner courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation Hickory Canyons Natural Area, Missouri. Photo by David Stonner courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Indian Trails Conservation Area
From Tulsa: 5 hrs
From OKC: 6 hrs 30 mins
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
From Tulsa: 5 hrs 45 mins
From OKC: 7 hrs 15 mins
Mark Twain Lake
From Tulsa: 6 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 8 hrs
Mill Creek
From Tulsa: 3 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 5 hrs
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
From Tulsa: 6 hrs
From OKC: 7 hrs 30 mins
Painted Rock Conservation Area
From Tulsa: 5 hrs
From OKC: 6 hrs 30 mins
Peck Ranch Conservation Area
From Tulsa: 5 hrs
From OKC: 6 hrs 30 mins
St. Louis County
From Tulsa: 5 hrs 30 mins
From OKC: 7 hrs
Colorado
Cherry Creek State Park
From Tulsa: 9 hrs 45 mins
From OKC: 9 hrs 30 mins
Rocky Mountain National Park
From Tulsa: 11 hrs
From OKC: 10 hrs 30 mins
