Oklahoma’s Autumn Gems: Exploring the State’s Top-Rated Leaf-Peeping Spots

BROKEN BOW, Okla. (KOKH) — Fall foliage is a big tourist attraction in New England.

From New York to North Carolina, people travel in the fall to leaf peep.

In Oklahoma, our leaf-peeping season is short, and sometimes doesn’t even arrive, but there are a few spots in our 77 counties that offer the best areas to look at fall foliage.

Mixbook, a photo book brand, ranked a few Oklahoma locations in its list of the top ‘hidden gem’ locations to see fall foliage.

The list of 150 locations includes three areas in the state.

#21: Beavers Bend State Park

Located amid the Kiamichi Mountains, Beavers Bend State Park was the top-rated Oklahoma location on Mixbook’s list of fall foliage hidden gems.

Beavers Bend is located in far southeastern Oklahoma along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.

If you’re looking for a fall foliage vacation, you can even stay at Beavers Bend Lodge inside the state park, located along Broken Bow Lake. The lodge offers scenic views of the lake, a stone fireplace, and free continental breakfast.

#65 Talimena National Scenic Byway

Talimena National Scenic Byway is also located in southeastern Oklahoma. The scenic route winds through the Ouachita Mountains and offers some of the best views of red, orange and yellow leaves.

The entire drive is 54 miles long and has numerous viewpoints and scenic turnouts.

Some popular destinations along the route are Talilmena State Park, the Ouachita National Forest, and the Cedar Lake Recreation Area.

Save this location for spring, too, for a scenic drive when flowers and trees are in bloom.

#77 Robbers Cave State Park

Another southeastern location on the list, Robbers Cave State Park is located just north of Wilburton.

Along with fall foliage, the park offers a history lesson: it was named because trappers, ancient tribes and outlaws used to use the area as an escape.

Legendary outlaw Jesse James also used the area to hide from law enforcement.

Lakes, hills, trails, and forest abound and offer the perfect viewing experience for fall foliage.