Photo: Natalie B. via Pixabay
Take a scenic drive in Oklahoma to get some fresh air while taking in gorgeous views. Here are just a few of the routes you should add to your future road trip list.
Road-Ready: Service your vehicle before your upcoming road trip
Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway
Hit up the 28-mile route from Elgin to Lost Lake to see rugged terrain and local wildlife. The path curves through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for free-roaming buffaloes, as well as deer, elk, coyote, and prairie dogs. The geography shifts from aquatic areas to cross timbers to rocky bluffs. Bring along hiking or rock-climbing gear if you want to pause during the route to hone your skills at either of these sports.
Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway
If you’re looking for panoramic views and don’t mind steep inclines, try the Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway. Despite the route’s brevity, it bestows fantastic views of the Ouachita Mountains as well as the Black Fork, Mountain Fork, and Glover Rivers nearby. Stop at one of the pull-off areas to absorb the scenery and take some pictures. Hontubby Falls, Heavener Runestone Park, and the historic Peter Conser House are a few other local attractions worth seeing if you want a longer day trip.
Route 8 State Parks
The Route 8 State Parks route starts in Watonga and ends in Hinton, for a pleasant 31-mile jaunt. Appease your inner geologist with the rocky cliffs and canyons you’ll see along the way. Roman Nose State Park, in Watonga, boasts three natural springs, which the native people claimed had healing properties. Conclude the trip with a hike on one of Red Rock Canyon State Park’s trails.
Route 66
Experience part of Old Route 66 when you pick up Highway 44 in Miami and drive the route all the way to Erick. You’ll also pass a variety of small towns and other roadside attractions to enhance the trip. Two key attractions to stop at are the Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum in Miami and the Oklahoma route 66 Museum in Clinton. And make sure to stop at Catoosa to get a photo of the Blue Whale sculpture.
Need more detour ideas for your Oklahoma road trip? Explore these car and transportation museums. And check out these helpful tips for spacing out bathroom breaks (in a healthy way) during the drive.
Tech for the Journey: Learn more about Apple CarPlay
Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.