The 10 Best Backroads In Oklahoma For A Long Scenic Drive
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Ashley
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If you’re looking for a way to spend your spare time, maybe coasting along on the best driving roads in Oklahoma is just what you need. Oklahoma is home to many backroads, scenic roads, and byways that are perfect for an afternoon getaway. Here are 10 of the best roads that showcase the Sooner State unlike any other. Who’s ready to begin exploring our state on some beautiful scenic drives in Oklahoma?
Black Mesa, Oklahoma 73946, USA
Enjoy the rugged beauty of Western Oklahoma along Highway 325 from Boise City to Kenton. This 38-mile drive will take you to the beautiful mesas that meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and to Black Mesa - the highest point in the state.
Get a closer look at the area around Black Mesa:
Get a closer look at the area around Black Mesa:
U.S. Route 66, U.S. Rt. 66, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Route 66 travels through 400 miles of Oklahoma's diverse communities and countryside ending in Quapaw in the north and near Texola in the south. You will travel through small towns, across historic bridges, alongside lakes, and through breathtaking scenery.
Take a look at some of the intriguing attractions along Route 66:
Take a look at some of the intriguing attractions along Route 66:
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Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway travels through southwest Oklahoma's historic towns of Medicine Park, Meers, Mountain View, and Apache and onto the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The drive begins on OK-49 at exit 45 off I-44, an hour south of Oklahoma City. The drive is approximately 30 miles long and shows you some of the best scenery in Oklahoma.
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Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, 15316 Co Rd 4201, Pawhuska, OK 74056, USA
This scenic route on public county roads takes you through the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and across neighboring ranches. The drive starts and ends in Pawhuska, and is approximately 50 miles long. You should allow about two hours to take the drive at a leisurely pace, including time for stopping.
Oklahoma 100, OK-100, Stilwell, OK, USA
The 88-mile byway follows Highway 10 north of Interstate 40 to U.S. Highway 412 winding through Sequoyah, Cherokee, Adair, and Delaware counties. Highlights of the drive include Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River which are carved out by blue-grey flint stone, encased by towering bluffs, and lined by some of the most picturesque foliage in Oklahoma.
Check out some of the amazing sights on this byway:
Check out some of the amazing sights on this byway:
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Highway 412, US-412, Enid, OK, USA
Highway 412 in northwestern Oklahoma is known as the loneliest highway in the Sooner State and the straightest highway in America. The first portion of this lonely, straight highway runs from Boise City to just west of Guymon and is straight for 47.7 miles. The second section picks back up again from Hardesty to just east of Slapout for another 65.5 miles.
Talimena Scenic Byway marker, Le Flore County, OK 74937, USA
The Talimena Scenic Byway winds 54 miles along the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest. Without stops at the many vistas and attractions along the way, the route takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive. A leisurely drive can take all day. It is among the most popular of our routes on this list, and it's easily one of the most scenic drives in Oklahoma.
The Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway ok
The Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway in southeast Oklahoma follows U.S. Highway 59/ 270 for 22 miles between Heavener, Oklahoma, and the Arkansas state line. This state highway is a two-lane paved road with some steep grades and sharp curves. Drive through the forested valleys of the Ouachita Mountains, one of America's oldest land masses.
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Cavanal Hill, Oklahoma 74953, USA
Cavanal Hill in Poteau, Oklahoma, stands at 1,999 ft. tall and is just 1 foot short of being classified as a mountain. Not only can you hike up the hill, but you can take an unforgettable drive to the top of it. The drive to the top of the hill will take you about 45 minutes. Stop along the way and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The road is paved the entire route, but be careful of steep grades on your way down the hill.
Highway 60, US-60, Bartlesville, OK, USA
This beautiful 70-mile drive along Highway 60 in Oklahoma will show you stunning scenery, historical places and world-class attractions. You’ll travel from Bartlesville and end your drive in Ponca City (or vice versa) and enjoy a relaxing afternoon getaway.
Have you hit the road any of these scenic drives in Oklahoma? Which are your favorite? Let us know about them in the comments. If you’re ready for some other wonderful road trips, check out these drives to the most beautiful places in Oklahoma.
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More to Explore
Road Trip Attractions in Oklahoma
What are the best Route 66 attractions in Oklahoma?
The best Route 66 attractions in Oklahoma are:
- Route 66 Museum, located in Clinton, contains a ton of Americana and Oklahoma history with information about the Big Band era, 1950s diners, and various other exhibits.
- The Round Barn is an iconic Oklahoma roadside attraction that stands 43 feet high and is 60 feet in diameter. Constructed in 1898 by William H. Odor, it has been a peculiar attraction ever since.
- Totem Pole Park has several concrete totem poles, including the world’s largest at 90 feet tall. It was built by Ed Galloway in 1948.
Find out about these and nine more of the best Route 66 attractions in Oklahoma.
What are the most beautiful natural attractions in Oklahoma?
The most beautiful natural attractions in Oklahoma include:
- Talimena National Scenic Byway. A drive along this byway, especially during the fall, will offer sights you won’t soon forget.
- Bathtub Rocks. The fascinating rock formations here are a natural network of pools and slides and are a local favorite during the summer.
- Black Mesa Country. With over 10 eco-regions, this natural area is awe-inspiring with its wildlife, rock formations, mesas, prairies, and more.
- Lake Tenkiller State Park. This lake has amazingly clear water and is surrounded by thick, lush forests and pristine views.
Discover more about the most beautiful natural attractions in Oklahoma.
What are the best natural attractions in Oklahoma?
Here are some of the best natural attractions in Oklahoma:
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area contains several hot springs, some freshwater, and some sulfur water, surrounded by lush trees for a relaxing getaway.
- Bathtub Rocks has a naturally-formed rock waterslide that locals love to ride on during the summer months.
- Great Salt Plains State Park is 840 acres of salt that contains hourglass-shaped selenite crystals that visitors love to dig for.
Find out more about these and other places that are the best natural attractions in Oklahoma.