Route 66
You can’t begin any description of beautiful places to ride your motorcycle in Oklahoma without mentioning historic Route 66. This highway predated the construction of major highways during the Eisenhower administration. Oklahoma contains more Route 66 miles than any other state, too, so exploring it from the Arcadia Round Barn to the memorial to Will Rogers that also commemorates the road being called “The Will Rogers Highway” is a fantastic way to start exploring Oklahoma.
Cherokee Hills Byway
The beauty of the Cherokee Hills Byway is all mountains and forests instead of desert vistas and roadside attractions. It both parallels and goes through the Ozark Mountains, ending on the shores of Lake Tenkiller. If you enjoy fishing, then Lake Tenkiller is a great place to spend an afternoon before hitting the road again. You can chase four kinds of bass, channel catfish, and flathead, all of which taste great off of the grill.
Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway
The Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway is just 22 miles long, but it abuts the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area. So, whenever you want to take a break from riding through nature and just enjoy it on foot up close, you can disembark there. The area is particularly gorgeous in the fall, and because spring and summer are the busy seasons, you can avoid the crowds. You can camp at The Winding Stair Campground, and the area connects to the next scenic byway, making it a good base of operations when it comes to this part of the State of Oklahoma.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
If foliage viewing during the autumn is your thing, then this 54-mile route, which was specifically laid out to take advantage of the most spectacular foliage in Oklahoma, is just the place to cruise on your bike. The Talimena National Scenic Byway provides you with access to 22 scenic overlooks where you can stop, admire the view, and even have picnics. Should you want to climb off the bike for a hike through this terrific countryside, then there are places nearby, such as the Ouachita National Forest, where you can take that constitutional.
Mountain Pass Scenic Byway
The Mountain Pass Scenic Byway also adjoins Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area, completing a triumvirate of scenic byways near to the recreation area to ply with your motorcycle. This byway is also short at just 23 miles, but it gives you fabulous views of forests and mountains in the same way as its two nearby kin. There’s a backpacker’s campground along the highway here, and it’s open all year, making it a good additional choice to the Winding Stair Campground.
Osage Nation Heritage Trail
For an extra bit of history, you can drive the Osage Nation Heritage Trail. Remember to honor the Osage First Nation while riding this 70-mile stretch in Northern Oklahoma. The whole area was part of Oklahoma’s oil boom, and it took nearly 100 years for the Osage to get their due after manipulation by oil barons. You’ll also be driving through territory where gangsters hid out during Prohibition. Along the way, you’ll enjoy viewing different kinds of terrain from forests to plains.
Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway
Other byways take you through stunning desert landscapes, hills splashed with orange and red during the autumn, and places with fishing holes and hiking trails. The Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway is all about wildflowers and wildlife. The 92 miles of plains and lowland hills teem with both, so bring your camera. If you like stargazing, then the Class-2 Bortle skies are just as scenic at night as the lowland vistas are during the day. Bring your telescope.
Conclusion
Exploring the vast vistas of Oklahoma can be a great adventure on your motorcycle. Before setting off, remember to familiarize yourself with local laws, always practice safe and defensive riding practices and wear protective gear. Sadly, in 2021, there were 1,285 motorcycle crashes in the state, resulting in 76 deaths. From mountains, deserts and forests to the historic Route 66 there is much to explore in this beautiful state.
