Oklahoma isn’t exactly known for its autumnal weather. Okies aren’t usually donning puffy vests or boots until mid-November. But even though its fall season is short, often lasting only a few weeks, the leaves on its trees still break down their chlorophyll, which causes the changes in color, before falling off for winter. The best places to view the state’s kaleidoscope of foliage are in its state parks and around its lakes and rivers.
Robbers Cave State Park
2300 Park Cabins Road, Wilburton
918-465-2565
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma
580-429-3222
fws.gov/refuge/wichita_mountains
Talimena State Park and Talimena National Scenic Byway
50884 US-271, Talihina
918-567-2052
Osage Hills State Park
2131 Osage Hills Park Road, Pawhuska
918-336-4141
facebook.com/osagehillssp
Lake Murray State Park
13528 Scenic State Highway 77, Ardmore
580-223-4044
facebook.com/lakemurray.statepark
23280 S. Spillway Drive, Jet
580-626-4731
Tenkiller State Park
8 miles north of Gore on Highway 100, Vian
918-489-5641
laketenkiller.com
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
901 W. First St., Sulphur
580-622-7234
facebook.com/chickasawnps
Boiling Springs State Park
207745 Boiling Springs Road, Woodward
580-626-4731
facebook.com/boilingspringsstatepark
Beavers Bend State Resort Park
435 Oklahoma Highway 259A, Broken Bow
beaversbend.com
This article appears in Fall Guide 2019.