12 Top Places To Visit In Oklahoma This Fall

Fall normally peaks from mid-September to October, and during this period, the lush vegetation in Oklahoma paints the atmosphere with hues of red, orange, and yellow, making it the perfect time to explore the state’s natural beauty. Regardless of what you are into, be it hiking, leaf peeping, or outdoor adventure, this state has something for everyone. Pack your bags and book the time off work because there are plenty of top places to visit in Oklahoma this fall.

Talimena National Scenic Byway

The Talimena National Scenic Byway is a delight to behold during the fall, as it takes you through the stunning Ouachita Mountains. Known as one of the most scenic drives in the region, this 54-mile route offers panoramic views of the fall vegetation between the Appalachians and Rockies, the highest mountain ranges in Oklahoma. The byway reaches elevations as high as 2,600 feet, providing sweeping views from famous lookout points like Panorama Vista and Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

There are many stop points along the Talimena National Scenic Byway where visitors can make a quick stop, enjoy the fall colors, and take pictures. The drive is also a hotspot for photographers, with opportunities for stunning, licensable shots around every turn. You will also come across the Cedar Lake Recreation Area and Ouachita National Recreation Trail, where you can go on a forest walk.

Beavers Bend State Park

Another place to be this fall is Beavers Bend State Park, located in southeastern Oklahoma. It is famous for its tall pines and hardwoods that turn into brilliant shades of red and gold in autumn. The park offers a peaceful retreat for hikers, photographers, and families. This park attracts lots of families during the fall as it opens up opportunities for kayaking, horse riding, and art festivals.

Broken Bow Lake is located within the park, and it is perfect for kayaking and fishing. You can also try your hand at fly-fishing on the Mountain Fork River, or if you prefer hiking during autumn, the David Boren Hiking Trail, named after Oklahoma’s former governor, is a popular highlight. The park’s picturesque setting makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy the charm of fall.

Robbers Cave State Park

Steeped in legend and natural beauty, Robbers Cave State Park was formerly famous for being a hideout for outlaws; now, it is a popular fall destination with acres of land for exploration and enjoyment. Located in the hilly woodlands of the San Bois Mountains, the park is famous for its rugged cliffs and caves, which were once hiding spots for outlaws like Jesse James.

Explore the scenic trails that lead to Robbers Cave itself, where you can imagine the notorious outlaws who once sought refuge. The park also hosts the Robbers Cave Fall Festival every October, featuring arts, crafts, food vendors, and live music in a lively autumn atmosphere. You will also find hiking trails and picnic tables when you visit the park.

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge spans a staggering 59,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. Home to free-roaming bison, Texas longhorn cattle, elk, and prairie dogs, the refuge is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The refuge provides endless outdoor activities like mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, and fishing. For stunning views, drive up Mount Scott to get stunning panoramic views of the area.

The Quanah Parker Nature Center provides interactive exhibits for art lovers, while skilled hikers will love the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area, which has rugged terrain. The refuge also houses the Holy City of Wichitas and the Parallel Forest, which is known for its eerie rows of cedars planted six feet apart. If there is one site you should not miss, it is the Forty-Foot Hole. It is a scenic gorge with waterfalls and attracts those craving the perfect fall hike.

Quartz Mountain State Park

Quartz Mountain State Park sits on land historically inhabited by Indigenous nations such as the Kiowa, Comanche, and Wichita. The park honors their legacy recognizing their deep connection to the land. Quartz Mountain has a diverse landscape due to its unique position between western and eastern climates featuring both desert and lush habitats which makes it a special place to visit in the fall.

Archeological evidence suggests Paleo-Indians hunted wooly mammoths here 20,000 years ago. However, it became a state park in 1937. Today, Quartz Mountain’s diverse flora and fauna make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can spot bald eagles, jackrabbits, bobcats, and even endangered species like the prairie falcon.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Known as Oklahoma’s oldest national park, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, since its early beginnings in 1902, has been a major destination for adventurers and outdoor excursions. Although it went through a couple of name changes before arriving at its current name due to the addition of different land areas between 1906 and 1976, the park always brought excitement to locals and visitors.

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area has two parks in one, as the land area covers the Lake of the Arbuckles and the Platt National Park Historic District. The area has six campgrounds and organizes various activities across the year. You can also find cultural and natural resources at the Travertine Nature Center.

Turner Falls Park

Turner Falls Park houses the state’s tallest waterfall, 77 feet high. This breathtaking natural landmark is a must-see for families and friends looking for a scenic retreat area. Turner Falls Park is in the Arbuckle Mountains with a combination of stunning landscapes and rich history. The park spans 1,500 acres of various terrain, including caves, natural pools, and hiking trails, making it a haven for adventurers who want to explore the mountains and forest landscape. Tourists may check out the breathtaking beauty of the waterfalls from the Turner Falls Trail and even explore the park to find the Collings Castle ruins while enjoying the autumn colors.

Osage Hills State Park

If you are looking for a complete getaway this fall, Osage Hills State Park is just the place. Located within the area’s rolling hills and its lush vegetation, which come alive during the fall, this former Osage Indian settlement is the gateway to the Tallgrass Prairie of Oklahoma. With over 1,000 acres of space filled with private cabins, campgrounds, and sports facilities, Osage Hills State Park is just the place to be.

The Lookout Lake area is particularly beautiful in the fall, and visitors can enjoy fishing here. Hiking trails are quite the highlight here, and popular ones like the Tower Trail take you through dense forests and showcase stunning views of the fall foliage.

Tenkiller Ferry Lake

Tenkiller Ferry Lake, tucked in Oklahoma’s scenic Cookson Hills, is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, with options for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Surrounded by rocky bluffs and lush forests, the lake is known for its clear, emerald-tinted waters, which are perfect for boating and even scuba diving. The lake’s underwater dive park is a neat spot for divers as it is complete with many sunken boats.

The lake offers plenty of comfort, and Lake Tenkiller boasts two state parks, Tenkiller and Cherokee Landing, which are filled with golf courses, campgrounds, and restaurants. Whether you are looking for a peaceful camping trip or a lakeside adventure, the area has something for everyone.

Myriad Botanical Gardens

In the heart of downtown Oklahoma City lies Myriad Botanical Gardens, a vibrant and beautiful green space. After being renovated in November 2022 with about $ 11 million, the space is now one of the most beloved places in Oklahoma City. The Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory is the centerpiece of the garden, and its brilliant design has earned it praise from the community and its architectural following.

This 15-acre space has paths for dog walks, spaces for picnics, and children's games. It also hosts gardening schools for adults and children, while the iconic Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory showcases a fascinating indoor plant collection providing a contrast to the outdoor fall beauty. On the east side of the Garden’s lake, visitors will find the flying fish, which is a kinetic sculpture created for the Garden by Kenny McCage.

Honor Heights Park

Honor Heights Park in Muskogee is famous for its stunning azalea blooms in spring, but its fall foliage is also impressive. The park’s rolling hills and tranquil lakes become a colorful hue of red, orange, and yellow during autumn, making it a beautiful place for a peaceful walk or picnic. You can sit at the 132-acre park to admire the changing leaves or take a walk around the lake to watch the colorful tree reflections in the water.

In November, the Park becomes lit up, turning into a Garden of Light. This display draws visitors from all over the world. Families, friends, and locals come together to enjoy the combination of autumn colors and festive lights.

Lower Mountain Fork River

One of the best places to visit in the fall and experience the beauty of nature is Lower Mountain Fork River and its banks. It is in the same area as Broken Bow Lake but is an alternate option and opens opportunities for a handful of activities. This place feels like a taste of paradise, and its landscapes shelter many small waterfalls, cypress trees, and rocky gardens that add to the general aesthetic of the river banks. There are many ways to relax here, and the river can be explored by canoeing, while fishing and boating are also allowed.

Now that you know more about the 12 top places in Oklahoma to visit this fall, it is time to go see them for yourself. From the Arbuckle Mountains to the vegetation that lines Talimena National Scenic Byway and the wildlife in the Wichita Mountains, there is more than enough entertainment for everyone. Remember to go with your cameras and smartphones to capture the fall colors and your memories during your visit.