Hopefully, by now I've shown you enough beautiful places in the Sooner State that you're convinced we're not just flat and boring. Sometimes these places are tucked away and not easily accessible and sometimes they are in plain sight. If you're looking to explore more of these places that are out in the open, check out these 9 amazing natural wonders that you can access without having to take a laborious hike.
1. Talimena National Scenic Byway (Talihina)
What's better than hiking to see beautiful scenery? Driving! And the most beautiful scenic drive in Oklahoma is the Talimena National Scenic Byway. Famous for its spectacular fall foliage, this scenic drive is a 54-mile route in southeastern Oklahoma. It takes you through the Talimena State Park, Ouachita National Forest and the Cedar Lake Recreation Area. Stop at one of 22 majestic vistas or visit several historic gateway towns along the way.
2. Tenkiller State Park (Vian)
Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Lake Tenkiller State Park is a gem in the woodlands of Oklahoma. The lake is a clear water paradise and is surrounded by beautiful thick foliage, rugged cliffs, rolling hills and spectacular views. Lake Tenkiller State Park has become known as "Heaven in the Hills" and once you visit, you’ll see why it’s pure bliss.
3. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Indiahoma)
Located in southwestern Oklahoma, near Lawton, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is over 59,000 acres of beautiful land. Visitors can hike, bike, climb, rappel, camp, fish and enjoy all nature has to offer. Or you can sit back in your car and drive the scenic highway that leads visitors through the park and showcases the beautiful wildlife and fauna.
4. Lake Eufaula (Eufaula)
Lake Eufaula – Oklahoma's largest, most tranquil lake - is located in Green Country and is surrounded by natural beauty. With over 600 miles of shoreline, there's plenty of stunning scenery (and stargazing) to see without having to do any hiking.
5. Turner Falls Park (Davis)
Turner Falls is located in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains and is considered Oklahoma's tallest waterfall at 77 feet. This picturesque waterfall flows with crystal clear water into a swimming hole that is a favorite summer spot for Oklahomans. You don't have to hike to this beautiful waterfall. There is a viewing area up top by the parking lot that you can enjoy the scenery from without having to trek up and down the hill.
6. Great Salt Plains State Park (Jet)
Composed of salt left over from an ocean that covered Oklahoma during pre-historic times, Great Salt Plains is one of Oklahoma's most unique state parks. The lake in the park is a salt-water lake, about half as salty as the ocean. Visitors can dig for hourglass crystals that form just under the surface in the crystal dig area. Oklahoma is the only place in the world these crystals can be found. You can drive your car right to the digging area...no hiking is required.
7. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (Pawhuska)
The midwest is full of wide open spaces and one place that is the poster child for natural beauty is the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve - the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on earth, covering over 40,000 acres. The drive through the prairie starts and ends in Pawhuska and will take you along 50 miles of gorgeous scenery.
8. Lake Murray (Ardmore)
Lake Murray State Park is located in Ardmore and is the largest state park in the state, boasting over 12,000 acres of exceptional beauty. You can drive around the lake and take in the exceptional beauty or visit Tucker Tower on the lake to get a bird's eye view.
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9. Cavanal Hill (Poteau)
Cavanal Hill in Poteau stands at 1,999 ft. tall and is just 1 foot short of being classified as a mountain. You could hike up to the top of the hill, but why do that when you can take an unforgettable drive to the top. The drive to the top of the hill will take you about 45 minutes. Once you get to the top, you'll see a monument marking the spot and a viewing platform.
What is your favorite natural wonder in Oklahoma?
Have you taken our Natural Wonder's Road Trip yet? If not, you can more information here.
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