Located in southwest Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains are rocky promontories full of natural beauty and breathtaking views. These mountains are home to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge - 59,000 spectacular acres full of free-roaming wildlife. Mt. Scott, the second highest mountain in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, stands at 2,264 ft. above sea level. The highest point, Mt. Pinchot, is only 12 feet taller but lies within a Special Use Area and is not accessible to visitors. Take a look at these epic mountains and the beauty that surrounds the area:
I am a strong believer that life is all about the journey. Sometimes on our way to our destination, we find ourselves enjoying the fleeting moments in between. This is the one thing that I love about road trips, there is always something to appreciate along the way. Take for instance, when driving through the Ouachita Mountains in Oklahoma, there is literally a reward around every winding turn. One of which is the drive to Mountain Top Trail Loop near Muse, where you get to cruise one of the most scenic byways in the country. Once you hike the trail, you’ll be gifted with expansive views of the mountains. In my opinion, the drive to this remote destination in Oklahoma is more than worth the reward at the end.
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By now, you would’ve heard about the Talimena Scenic Drive, and I can bet that you’ve cruised it before. But if you haven't, now is your chance to do so. Here you will find the Mountain Top Trail, a 3-mile loop that meanders to the top of Winding Stair Mountains. It’s a small portion of the 192-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail that stretches from OK to Arkansas.
You can access the trail by driving north on U.S. Highway 259 and then head west on State Highway 1. Parking is available near the Winding Stair Mountains Campground, and the trailhead is there too. The area is gorgeous any time of year, but it comes alive the most during the fall when the autumn colors light up the mountainside.
This drive alone is worth your efforts to get here, but the trail has its rewards too. It leads to a breathtaking overlook that could arguably be one of the best in Oklahoma. You’ll get to witness sweeping views of the Holson Valley and the Talimena Scenic Byway. Certainly, you could easily spend the day here enjoying the stunning views, so pack lunch and you’ll want to carry your camera too.
Hikers love this rugged trail that meanders along the north and south sides of the mountain. It’s rocky in some areas, so make sure you’re wearing sturdy hiking boots for this trek. Dogs and kids are welcome, but I don’t think this hike is suitable for beginners. For the avid hiker, it will take you about an hour to complete this trail.
And if you’re craving more scenic vistas, just hop in your car and drive to the entrance of Talimena Scenic Byway and Talimena State Park. On this trip, you’ll soon realize how gorgeous Eastern OK is. There are unmatched views at every turn and the drive is worth it no matter where you live in the Sooner State.
Folks, this isn’t the only remote destination in Oklahoma that you should explore. Have you seen the views from Skull Hollow Nature Trail in northern OK? They are out of this world! Before you leave for any hike in Oklahoma, we can’t stress enough that you should download AllTrails+ on your phone. The cell phone signal in some of these remote locations can be spotty, and getting lost on a trail isn’t always fun.
Oklahoma is an underrated state that doesn't get a lot of notoriety for its beauty. Most people don't know it has one of the most diverse topographies in the country, which makes it also one of the most interesting and attractive. While many places in the state are beautiful year-round, there are a handful of destinations that really shine in the fall season. Keep scrolling to view 12 of the best things to do in Oklahoma in the fall, then plan a trip to visit as many as you can this year. One thing's for sure -- you'll want to bring your camera with you!
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is beautiful all year long but during the fall season when the foliage turns bright orange, red, and yellow, the place takes on a completely different look and it's truly a marvel. When it comes to the best things to do in fall in Oklahoma, visiting the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge belongs at the very top of your list.
One thing we can always count on in Oklahoma as the weather begins to get cooler is Turner Falls becoming even more beautiful. The bright colors surrounding the waterfall are truly magnificent. And the best part of all? Turner Falls Campground is an excellent spot for camping in Oklahoma.
Osage Hills State Park was established in 1935 and was one of the seven original parks in Oklahoma. As one of the oldest state parks in Oklahoma, the park is full of mature trees, picturesque scenery, rolling hills, and rocky bluffs. All of these features make for a breathtaking autumn destination.
Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, Bricktown is a great place to visit if you want a good mixture of city life and beautiful fall colors. The trees surrounding the canal make for the perfect Oklahoma in October photo op. In fact, it's a popular engagement spot because of its epic setting. It's also an easy-to-access waterfall in Oklahoma that all ages will love.
One of the most pristine rivers in the four-state area, Lower Mountain Fork River is perfect for kayaking and canoeing from spring through fall. We think fall is the best time of year to visit because the colors and setting are otherworldly. It's truly a postcard setting. Learn more about what makes Lower Mountain Fork River in Oklahoma such a magical destination.
One of the bigger parks in the Tulsa area comes to life in the fall season. La Fortune Park is home to thousands of trees and it's truly breathtaking when the leaves change colors. Of course, Tulsa, Oklahoma makes for an excellent day trip destination year-round.
It's hard to beat the fall scenery along the Talimena National Scenic Byway in southeastern Oklahoma. This 54-mile route will have you gasping along every corner because, well, it's just that beautiful. Many folks consider this to be the most scenic drive in Oklahoma, and it's no mystery why!
Another one of our favorite fall destinations is Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton. This 8,246-acre park has two lakes, a creek, miles of hiking trails, caves, hilly woodlands, and much more. If you're someone who loves hiking in Oklahoma, this beautiful park belongs on your radar.
If you've ever been to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, then you know the beauty here is quite remarkable. It's a popular summer destination, but during the fall a range of colors can be seen for miles and miles in every direction. You'll quickly discover what makes the Chickasaw National Recreation Area such a special place to visit.
Not only is the museum filled with world-renowned art, but the gardens are absolutely breathtaking. In fact, the Philbrook Museum in Oklahoma has been named among the world's most stunning places. Visitors can spend hours exploring the 1920s Italian villa, eating lunch in its delicious cafe, and then soaking in the beauty of the outside grounds. It’s truly a magnificent attraction that you’ll definitely want to visit this fall.
If you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful outing, head to Lendonwood Gardens in Grove to meander through 1,200 different types of plants and flowers. It’s nestled in northeast Oklahoma and boasts beautiful colors and foliage perfect for admiring. There's a lot to love about this secret garden, especially the fall in Oklahoma.
Beavers Bend State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the state. This magical place is full of areas to view the bold colors of fall. The best time to view the fall hues is October and November. While you're there, be sure to hike the Tree Trail.
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Where is your favorite place to view the fall colors in Oklahoma? What did you think of our list of the best places to visit in Oklahoma in the fall? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! And, for related content, be sure to read more about the picturesque Talimena Scenic Drive.
Ready to go hiking this fall? Make sure you have the AllTrails+ app downloaded on your phone before you hit the trails!
