Wind your way through the beautiful Ouachita Mountains in southeast Oklahoma, home of the famous Talimena National Scenic Byway. As a popular destination for equestrians, the best view of all might just come from the top of a horse.Lose yourself in the beauty of Oklahoma's scenic drives. The Robbers Cave Lodge gives each guest a panoramic view of the lakes and forest that lay hundreds of feet below. #10 - Robbers Cave State ParkĬlimb the steep sandstone bluffs and pretend that you’re an outlaw on the run with Jesse James at Robbers Cave State Park. In the amazing solitude of this scenic area, the wide open spaces dotted with blue sage evoke visions of cowboys on horseback and the prehistoric creatures that used to call this area home. The nearby Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve feature amazing watchable wildlife including golden eagle, black bear and bighorn sheep. The Black Mesa plateau is Oklahoma’s highest point at 4,973 feet and rewards hikers with a rare view of a tri-state area. Located in the farthest northwest corner of Oklahoma, the panhandle area is the epitome of stark beauty. The fact that the river is still un-commercialized lures the most experienced adventurer to this best kept secret in southeast Oklahoma. Canoeing and small mouth bass fishing are popular on this gorgeous waterway. The last major free-flowing river unencumbered by dams or water releases, the Glover River offers secluded beauty unmatched in the state. This serpentine gem glitters and shimmers in the summer sunlight between rolling green hills that beg you to slow down and just enjoy the view. With 1,300 miles of scenic shoreline, bordered by five state parks, the Grand Lake Area is an outdoorsman’s delight. The result of the Pensacola Dam project completed in 1940, Grand Lake O' the Cherokees is one of Oklahoma’s most popular lake destinations. At each scenic turnout along the way, the vibrant colors on the mountainsides are breathtaking and almost unbelievable in their brilliance. The Talimena National Scenic Byway has become one of the most popular destinations for fall foliage tours in the region. The Ouachita National Forest in southeast Oklahoma loves to show off its colors. Camping and hiking are the most popular forms of activity in the park but a book read at the base of the falls on a sunny, summer afternoon could be the most soothing.

Once at the base of the falls, you can drink in the tranquility of the little valley and surround yourself with native flowering trees like the redbud and the luminous dogwood. Seventeen different fern varieties thrive in the wet kiss of the cascades. At this quiet oasis in northeastern Oklahoma, a 77-foot waterfall invites visitors to hike down the rugged trails to an enchanting basin pool. #5 - Natural Falls State Parkīeauty often makes you quickly draw in your breath in wonder and Natural Falls State Park is no different but what it also provides its visitors is a place to exhale. A dream-like mist rising from Broken Bow Lake is the perfect vista while enjoying a morning cup of coffee at Lakeview Lodge. The Mountain Fork River provides clear, cool waters for excellent fishing year-round. Imagine mountains of fragrant pine forests intermingled with colorful hardwood trees and you’ve found Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow. From hiking to swimming, camping to picnicking or fishing to wildlife viewing, you are sure to find what best feeds your soul. Travertine Creek meanders throughout much of the park and the babbling water is the perfect soundtrack for recreation. One hundred years ago, American Indians called it the 'Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters' and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur continues to offer precious serenity to visitors. With the park’s authentic lodge furnishings and delectable restaurant menu, guests can snuggle in for a memorable stay.

The lake glimmers in the sun and moonlight and the stars shine as brightly as any place in Oklahoma. Nestled between the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert and the Wichita Mountains, Quartz Mountain State Park is the ideal setting for quiet reflection and solitude, family fun or a romantic retreat. From the top you can marvel at the patchwork of lakes, stunning rock formations and miles of picturesque hiking trails. The crowning jewel of the park is Mount Scott.

With over 59,000 acres of ancient mountains dotting a sea of prairie, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Lawton is home to free-range American bison herds, prairie dogs, Texas Longhorn cattle, bobcats and coyotes. Mother Nature has provided plenty of awe-inspiring locales all over Oklahoma and with 12 distinct eco-regions the variety of stunning scenery is incredible. Trying to select the Top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Oklahoma is a daunting task.

Western oklahoma scenery