Beyond city limits: Fall foliage trips from Tulsa | Lifestyle

Hit the road for these fall foliage destinations

While Turkey Mountain offers incredible autumn sights, this month we wanted to provide a few out-of-town alternatives for foliage fans. If you don’t already have your fall travel planned, consider trekking to one of these nearby mountain towns. 

McCurtain County, Oklahoma

Ouachita Mountains 

One of the most popular destinations in the state, McCurtain County has seen an uptick in tourism-backed growth and revitalization. A scenic three-and-a-half hour drive south from Tulsa, McCurtain County provides sweeping views of the Ouachita Mountains and access to Broken Bow Lake and the surrounding Beavers Bend State Park.

There are plenty of stays to choose from in “Cabin Country,” whether you opt to primitive camp or glamp. You can reserve campsites and cabins within Beavers Bend State Park through Travel Oklahoma. Spots like the Grasshopper campground provide access to Broken Bow Lake along with picnic tables and grills for your outdoor cooking needs. You also can book a luxury yurt, a cabin or a room in the Beavers Bend Lodge.

Within the park, there are trails galore — whether you want to hike, bike or horseback ride. You also can visit the Forest Heritage Center Museum, hit the minigolf course or the 18-hole Cedar Creek Golf Course, go fishing or take a swim.

Beyond the park, Hochatown offers shops, restaurants and access to activities like train rides, ziplining and even tiki boat tours. You can stop into Gallery 259 for fine art from Oklahoma artists, along with occasional live music and events. If you’re ready for something to eat, you can try the HochaHut for year-round fair food flavors with options like fried Oreos and their Hot Mamma corn dog. For a beverage, check out Fish Tales Winery and Bistro to try their wines and light bites.

On your way down to McCurtain County, consider taking a detour to drive the renowned Talamina Scenic Byway. TravelOK recommends planning to peep fall foliage in late October or the first week of November. If you wait a little longer, you can line up your trip with the Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show on Nov. 14-16 at the Forest Heritage Center in Beavers Bend State Park.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Zig-Zag Mountains

You can take a four-plus hour drive through the winding roads of the Ouachita National Forest to get to Hot Springs, Arkansas, the centerpiece of Hot Springs National Park. With relaxing natural geothermal baths and ample ghost stories for anyone trying to get into the mood for Halloween, Spa City is an excellent choice for a fall getaway. 

The national park’s Bathhouse Row offers several different lodging options from hotels to vacation rentals. Some, like the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa, have rumors of hauntings for anyone looking for a spookier stay. There also are several Victorian properties in the city listed on Airbnb or VRBO for those looking to reserve an entire home with historic charm. 

From town, you can catch hikes like the West Mountain Trails. Some of these trails date back to the town’s medical resort days and are designed for folks who are convalescing. So, if you are looking for an easier hike, you’re sure to find them here. Although not all the hikes are challenging, they still provide immersive forest experiences and dramatic vistas of the Zig-Zag section of the Ouachita Mountains.

When you want to take a break, you can hit one of the many bathhouses in town to soak in the legendary healing waters of the naturally heated springs. Places like Quapaw Baths and Spa, opened in 1922, offers public and private bath options. One of several Spanish Colonial Style buildings on Bathhouse Row, Quapaw Baths and Spa’s balmy public baths provide a chance to admire their peaceful stained-glass skylight.

Following your spa treatment, you can hit up one of the many watering holes in town, like Superior Bathhouse Brewery, who make their beers using the National Park’s thermal spring waters — but don’t worry, the water is tested for safety prior to use. With a full-service restaurant complete with fluffy Bavarian pretzels, Superior is an excellent stop for a beverage and a bite to eat. 

For a more refined dining experience, you can visit VAULT. While this restaurant is not related to The Vault here in Tulsa, it is a similar concept in that VAULT is housed inside a bank building constructed in the 1890s. Its lounge, HEIST, is open weekends-only and provides hand-crafted cocktails in an intimate space.

During your trip, don’t miss window shopping and museums in the heart of town. The ornate Fordyce Bathhouse has been turned into a visitors center and museum, with mosaic tiled floors and intricate stained-glass skylights adding color to the experience of exploring outdated medical devices. While you’re there, you can check out the nearby Display Spring, part of the Grand Promenade walking trail, which pumps out waters at an average of 143 degrees Fahrenheit.

This fall, the Big Steam Blues and Roots Music Festival will take over Hot Springs Sept. 26-27. They have joined forces with the Spa City Food Truck Festival this year, so be prepared for a packed lineup of live music and an array of dining options. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

If you’re interested in a longer road trip, you can drive just over nine hours to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The capital city not only boasts plenty of shopping and restaurants to explore, but they also have tons of outdoor activities to enjoy as the cooler fall weather kicks in.

Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is the nation’s oldest capital city — and also the highest, at 7,198 feet above sea level. This long-running history has resulted in incredible architecture to explore in places like the bustling Santa Fe Plaza. 

For leaf peeping, head outside of town via Hyde Park Road. If you travel long enough you’ll come to the 11-mile Aspen Vista Trail, which is famous for its incredible views. This trail is notorious for getting busy during the peak of fall, which turns the hillsides shades of gold and crimson beginning in late September. So, plan accordingly, and consider bringing a picnic lunch.

If the length and elevation changes of the Aspen Vista Trail seem challenging, you can drive the 15-mile Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway. From the road, you can marvel at the mix of aspens, cottonwoods and maples as they undergo their yearly transformation. Also, Ski Santa Fe opens up its chairlift during weekends in the fall, which offers a unique perspective of the changing leaves.

After taking in the sights, you’ll likely want to grab a bite to eat. You can try authentic New Mexican food at places like La Choza, where you can sample their New Mexican Posole or their cheese-smothered stuffed sopapilla plate. For a night cap, you can stop by one of the city’s many breweries or distilleries, including Santa Fe Brewing Co. This Santa Fe staple has several different locations, but their Brakeroom is the most easily accessible from downtown.