Autumn in Oklahoma- Scenic Highway 10
Sometimes it feels like we only have two seasons in Oklahoma; summer, which lasts most of the year, and winter. There doesn't seem to be much of a spring or fall so when the leaves finally do change I always want to soak them in. There's something about the change in seasons that makes me want to take road trips, to bundle up in the car and just pick a direction and drive until the scenery is different.
So last week Darrell and I did just that. We decided to head east (thanks to travelok.com for a helpful fall foliage guide) and went off in search of the last of the golden leaves in the Oklahoma hills.
We went east along I40 and then north at highway 85, following the road around Lake Tenkiller. Even though the day was overcast and gray it was beautiful. We drove around part of the lake and past the dam, which was covered in vultures, all lined up and just hanging out. I don't think I've ever seen so many buzzards in one place like that before. And on the other side of the lake we stopped to admire the view and realized someone had lined up dead armadillos on the guardrail. It was just a little bit weird.
From there we headed north, picking up highway 10 east of Tahlequah and following it along the Illinois River. I haven't been to this part of the state since my 20's when I floated the river with a group of friends. But it was even prettier than I remembered.
There are lots of public access points along the river and we stopped at several, going down to the water and listening to the silence. It was one of those perfect fall days, partly cloudy and just a little cool, with enough foliage left on the trees to make it really feel like fall.
Oklahoma has a lot to offer even if you've only got a day and I'd highly recommend packing a lunch and driving up highway 10. What're your favorite spots in the state when the seasons change? We're planning more day trips in 2018 and I need ideas!
some helpful links to plan your drive -
Cherokee Hills Byway - also highway 10
TravelOK website - tourist info and scenic route guides