7 Most Scenic Drives In Oklahoma

The fresh, cool air sweeps across your face and sometimes parts your hair. Some soft music is playing on your stereo, and you are winding through the beautiful Ouachita Mountains on the famous Talimena National Scenic Byway. Hairpin turns reveal colorful fall foliage — or delicate daffodils if it’s in spring. You pass through charming small towns, some of which have gorgeous, historic downtown areas. Of course, the Mother Road also beckons, a stretch filled with so much history and nostalgia. Quirky roadside attractions, quiet backroads, and laid-back communities - looks like something you would enjoy? Then, discover below the seven most scenic drives in Oklahoma.

Quartz Mountain State Park

The drive from Altus to Lone Wolf takes trippers through Quartz Mountain State Park and is a short, sweet treat of just about 27 miles. From Altus, you will want to see some vintage farm equipment and other historical knickknacks at the Museum of the Western Prairie before gazing at the sparkling waters of Lake Altus. The best views, however, wait for you at the Quartz Mountain State Park, which features a stunning stretch of rugged peaks (mostly granite), sparkling lakes, and vibrant foliage. You will blaze across the North Fork Red River and stop by Lake Altus-Lugert to swim or fish — before screeching to a halt at the little town of Lone Wolf, especially at the GI JOE Repair Shop and Museum, which hosts what could be the largest permanent public display of vintage G.I. Joes in America.

Talimena Drive

This drive starts from Talihina, Oklahoma, to Mena, Arkansas — a distance of about 52 miles. Set aside more time, however, because this stretch will require several pullovers. You will go through the Ouachita National Forest, the oldest and largest National Forest in the Southern Region. You will also skirt around some of the highest peaks in Arkansas, including Rich Mountain. This drive is pretty in spring and fall, when the weather is cool and flowers bloom in scintillating displays of color. Visit Queen Wilhelmina State Park, where you will feel hoisted up in the sky — with views that will make your heart skip a beat. There is the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, loved for its mountaintop setting, and the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area, where one can indulge in several outdoor activities.

Route 66

The Mother Road is a darling of many road-trippers. It drips fascinating history and is lined with numerous roadside attractions. What you may not know is that Oklahoma is home to Route 66’s longest drivable stretch — from Quapaw, in the north-easternmost corner of the state — to Erick, near the Texas state line. Take a bite-size portion of this historic route, preferably from Tulsa to Oklahoma City, which comes to about 119 miles. Highlights on this portion include Route 66 Christmas Chute, a Christmas wonder under 800-foot-long canopies in Sapulpa(it opens in mid-November); the world’s tallest gas pump, which is just a hair out of Sapulpa; and the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, loved for its tasty collection of vintage motorcycles from 1908 to present. Do not miss the Arcadia Round Barn as well, a handsomely restored barn unique for its circular design.

Highway 10

Highway 10 runs from Gore, which bills itself as the "trout capital of Oklahoma," to the town of Grove, the economic and cultural hub of the Grand Lake region. This trip typically takes about two hours, although one will want to set aside slightly more time. You can start with a detour to Tenkiller Lake, which is backdropped by the pine-speckled Cookson Hills, and proceed to Soda Steve's for a hearty and filling breakfast before enjoying the tranquility of Greenleaf State Park, which sits on the quiet shores of Greenleaf Lake. Up along the highway, you will discover Fort Gibson, one of Oklahoma’s oldest towns. Learn something about the American West at the Fort Gibson Historic Site before turning northeast to Tahlequah, a stretch that features beautiful vistas of open countryside. Other highlights include Natural Falls State Park and Eucha Lake, along with one of Oklahoma’s most spectacular fall sceneries.

Mount Scott

If you are looking for something short and sweet, the drive to Mount Scott is unmatched for its jaw-dropping scenery. From Lawton, which hosts the visit-worthy Museum of the Great Plains — to the top of Mount Scott is about 30 miles. Fortunately, it provides instant gratification. You will have a taste of Oklahoma’s highest-paved auto road, where speed is capped at 25 miles per hour. You will be wowed by the rolling plains, the rugged grandeur of the Wichita Mountains, and the roaming herds of bison. Spend about an hour at the US Army Artillery Museum, an equal amount of time at the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark, especially to visit Geronimo's grave — and as much time in your hands at Lake Lawtonka, widely known for its monster smallmouth bass.

State Highway 115

State Highway 115 begins near Cache, about 17 miles west of Lawton in Southwest Oklahoma, cuts through a remote part of Fort Sill, and passes through several enticing spots before ending at Cowden Junction near the town of Cowden. It is 57 miles of pure bliss, so set aside at least an hour — preferably two. Some notable landmarks that backdrop this drive include Mt. Roosevelt; Mt. Sheridan (it looms beautifully over Heart Lake); Saddle Mountain, which is the northeastern sentinel of the Wichitas; the trail-laden Parallel Forest, the Holy City of the Wichitas (check out the Christ the Redeemer statue), and the incredibly panoramic Lake Jed Johnson Dam Observation

Mountain Gateway Scenic Drive

The Mountain Gateway Scenic Drive is a 22-mile-long heartwarming whirlwind of melodrama that starts at the town of Heavener (don’t miss the “heaven” in the name) — to the Arkansas state line. You will cruise through the forested valleys of the Ouachita Mountains, unique for their east-to-west orientation, not the typical north-to-south; the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area, which provides some of southeast Oklahoma’s most spectacular views; centuries-old oak trees; and several national forest campgrounds. There is also the Cedar Lake Recreation Center, which features a shimmering 86-acre lake, and the Emerald Point Vista, situated just beyond Winding Stair Campground.

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

Rounding off this list is a road that runs straight through the Sooner State’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie on the planet. The preserve is in Pawhuska, whose downtown area hosts more than 80 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Aside from the sweeping views of the landscape, trippers will lock eyes with a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, and prairie dogs. This drive also features fields of wildflowers, historic homesteads, and up to 3 trails, including the aptly named Bottomland Trail. The entire drive is about 35 miles and should take about two hours. Pass by the preserve headquarters, especially to see the historic 1920 ranch bunkhouse, today restored to its original condition. The bass-filled Sand Creek is not to be missed either — because it is the major stream on the preserve.

The Takeaway

The chance to create unforgettable memories. The chance to disconnect from all the invasive technology and social media apps, whether Snapchat or X. The freedom to explore attractions at a self-directed pace. The random pullovers. The spontaneity. The rolling scenery. The truth is, a road trip is not just about discovering places you never knew existed. It is therapeutic. Fortunately, the Sooner State is home to some awesome byways and backroads. Check out the highlights above, and lose yourself in the underrated beauty of Oklahoma.