Beavers Bend State Park has many hiking trails of different difficulties, but the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail is a favorite because you will see stunning views and hear the sound of rushing water for added stress relief. It’s about one mile, and although it is beautiful at any time of the year, the best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves are turning colors. If the trail floods, it can be much more difficult to hike it.
The entire system of this area has more than 25 miles of hiking trails. Motor vehicles are not permitted and it is a “quiet-water zone,” which is strictly enforced. You must get a permit before hiking, but it is free. The main loop is a longer trail, at 10 miles with some areas that are a little more difficult. There are plenty of campsites, but many do not have amenities. However, the trails are very well maintained and clearly marked.
The hiking trail at Greenleaf Lake is almost 40 years-old. It’s one long 18-mile loop, but it can be broken down into a north and a south loop. It’s at least an intermediate level trail, with some areas that might be considered expert level. If you take the southeast trail, which hugs the shoreline of the lake, you cross a suspension bridge where you’ll get some beautiful pictures of the area. The path has a few switchbacks, due to the elevation changes.
The Yellow Trail is a 4.4-mile loop which takes about two or three hours to hike. You’ll get some beautiful views of both Tulsa and the Arkansas River. The difficulty level is moderate. The park has been GPS-mapped and maps are available at the parking lots and at kiosks throughout the park, but you can also download a topographical map at the website. It is a beautiful urban wilderness that is open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians. Pets are welcome on a leash.
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge features over 30 miles of nature trails. The Elk Mountain trail is short, but it does have a higher difficulty level because it is steep. However, it’s worth it to have a 270-degree view of the surrounding mountains. You’ll find lots of picturesque moments, and usually, you’ll see lots of wildlife as you explore the area. There is no fee for daily use, and the visitor center will have a lot of helpful information and maps. Cell service is spotty in the area, so you can unplug for the day.
]]>Turner Falls Park is probably one of the most popular parks in the state. Families love to hike back to the waterfall and swim in the lake. There’s also a rock castle and caves to explore as part of the hiking experience. Many animals can be spotted in the Arbuckle Mountains, and the biosphere offers a number of botanical species to discover. You’ll find different levels of trails, giving your family a chance to start out with a beginner’s hike and working up to a longer day in the mountains. Make sure to plan before you head out, as this is a popular hiking spot!
Oxley Nature Center is located in the heart of Tulsa, not where you might think of hiking. It features 10 interconnected trails, which allow you to find the right level of difficulty for your family. The Red Fox Trail features a self-guided sensory awareness tour, while Bob’s Trail has a 600-foot boardwalk, letting you stick your hands into the marsh to explore the plants and animals in the water. The nature center is also a great place for birdwatching, butterfly sightings and tree identification. You’ll find a prairie, a forest, and a water system to explore different ecosystems.
Beaver’s Bend State Park is located close to the Arkansas state line on the east side of Oklahoma. Within the park, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. The Forest Heritage Tree Trail is a looped trail that begins and ends at the Forest Heritage Center Museum. It’s a fairly easy trail with a couple of climbs that add a little challenge. Cedar Bluff Trail is one of the more difficult trails with steep climbs and creek crossings. But it is also a nature trail. The trails in the park are carefully marked to keep you on the right path.
Lake Murray has a great hiking trail system. Most of the trails are clearly marked, but you’ll want to take a trail map with you just in case. The park system has set up restrooms and water along some of the trails, which makes this a great place to hike with a family. The area is home to over 10 miles of both hiking and biking trails, with opportunities to take in the sights of a beautiful waterfall, wild animals, and a lot of native Oklahoma flora.
The Martin Park Nature Center is an adventure the little ones will surely enjoy. With 2.5 miles of woodland trails and a visitor center with live animals, Martin Park brings children closer to nature. Consider booking a guided nature hike, for $2 per person, where children can gain an education of the area while they explore.
]]>The Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation Department maintain 80 miles of running/hiking/walking trails around the city. For a beautiful run along the river, take the Oklahoma River Trails. The entire length of the trail is 13 miles. Of those, 6.5 miles are dedicated trails right next to the Oklahoma River. Park at Wheeler Park, Lincoln Ave Bridge or SW 15 and Portland for easy access. This trail connects to five other trails if you’re looking for a longer run.
St. Crispin’s Conference Center is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, but they have graciously opened the trails to visitors. It’s the perfect outdoor experience, over 450 acres with oak trees, spring-fed lakes, and rolling hills. The trails range in length from one mile to 2.3 miles. Altogether, it’s about 8.2 miles. Some of the trails have special sites along the path. The green trail, for example, has a labyrinth. The yellow trail has some spectacular views, especially at the Lookout, which overlooks one of the lakes.
This trail system is located on the south side of Lake Thunderbird. It has more than 18 miles of trails that are interconnected, but each individual trail can be hiked on its own as a loop. The Green and Yellow loops are best for beginners. The Red and Blue Loops are a bit more challenging. The Gold Loop, at 10 miles, is designed for expert runners. These trails are also open to mountain bikes, so be cautious.
This area has over 30 miles of multi-use trails that are considered some of the best trails in Oklahoma. The Red Trail is very popular for bikers and runners, because it’s far from the road and the water’s edge. The terrain varies through three different sections. The first section has gully crossings and short climbs. The second section has more dry gullies and winds under the oak canopies. The third section has some switchbacks, steep crossings and a roller coaster of ups and downs when you get close to the finish line. There’s a lot of specific information on the website to tell you about each of the five trails to get a feel for which one you want to try first.
Cavanal Mountain is considered the “tallest hill in the world.” The trail is about five miles to the top. It’s known as the “uphill killer,” and you may need to walk some sections, but when you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the area. You’ll also find a deep hand dug well that is over 100 years-old. But then, you also have to get back down the mountain. Don’t try this run without some experience behind you.
]]>The ATV and motorcycle trails are located on the northwest end of Lake Murray. The 10 miles of trails have sand and varying terrain to bring riders an exhilarating adventure. On a busy weekend, you’ll need to be cautious when riding, but Jeeps and dune buggies aren’t allowed, so you won’t have to worry about that. It costs $10 per rider, and there is even camping on-site. It’s a beautiful location for taking your bike out on the trail!
This area features almost 1,000 acres of trails for ATVs and dirt bikes. City permits are required, but you can get them at the marina. The riding area is next to a campground where you can relax between rides. The riding permit costs $10 per day per rider, but if you plan on going out often, get an annual permit which lets you ride all year long, weather permitting. Just make sure to check closing time, because all vehicles need to be out of the parking area, not just off the trails.
Angel Ridge features a full-size motocross track, a freestyle area, a pee-wee track, and an outdoor national track. The track is open all week long, sun up to sun down. Riders will need a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, goggles, and boots. The terrain is mostly for amateurs and novices, but there are some obstacles which will add a challenge.
WHORP has a nice track that follows the natural terrain. You’ll need a permit to ride at this privately-owned park, but it’s well-kept and has a number of nice trails that wind through the wooded areas and fields around the main track. The park is open year-round, weather permitting. Overnight camping is permitted prior to race days.
This complex has a motocross track, a pit bike track, and supermoto track. They’ve recently started a motocross school, for beginners to pros, and there’s a bike shop on-site. Make sure to check the schedule for events. Beginners can learn the basics on pit bike track while the other tracks are more of a challenge.
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Bookdocker’s Landing is a private RV resort along the Mountain Fork River, but it does open its gates to hikers and birdwatchers. It costs $8 a day per person, but the park limits the number of guests to allow for spaciousness and quiet. The scissor-tailed flycatcher, Oklahoma’s state bird, snowy owls, purple martins, and painted buntings call this park home. From November to March, it’s common to see bald eagles along the cliffs. There are 12 dedicated trails in the park, and you can rent kayaks and canoes to catch the wildlife along the river’s edge.
The Salt Plains refuge is more well known for selenite crystals that get dug up in the area, but it’s home to hundreds of species of birds who nest here and feed on the salt brine flies. Every week, the staff performs a wildlife survey, and posts results online. More than 12 types of ducks were spotted recently, along with whooping cranes, killdeer, American white pelicans, Franklin gulls, and bald eagles. It’s an amazing place to hike any time of the year. This habitat was established in 1930 and has more than 32,000 acres where migratory birds can find sanctuary.
Black Mesa is the highest point in Oklahoma, and this park has a lot to offer. Golden eagles, scaled quail, and pinyon jays are often seen in the area, as are many local mammals, such as black bears, antelope, mountain lions, and bobcats. It has a unique ecosystem, because it marks the area where the Rocky Mountains meet the prairie. The park boasts eight rare animal species and 23 rare plants. When you visit, make sure to stay overnight to enjoy an area without light pollution to see the stars. During the winter months, make sure to check the weather before driving out.
This urban wildlife center has more than two miles of woodland trails and a specific birdwatching area. The INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Courage Trail is ADA-accessible, allowing individuals with limited mobility an opportunity to explore nature without struggling on rough trails. The park opens at 5 a.m. daily, which gives you a chance to hike early and watch birds go through their morning routine. It’s an excellent place to really get in touch with nature without having to drive very far (if you live in Oklahoma City.)
This eight-acre botanical garden is most known for its beautiful plants, but it has some great birdwatching areas, as well. It features seven different gardens, each with its own character. The Japanese Pavilion Garden has a koi pond, and many waterfowl call it home. The Oriental Garden features shade plants, while the American Backyard Garden has plants that will thrive without a lot of water. From spring to fall, you’ll find birds and butterflies enjoying the gardens. In October, you may see the white pelicans migrating through the area.
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Stewarts has been providing ATVs and buggies to enjoy Little Sahara State Park for over 10 years. You don’t need a trailer, because you can drive the ATVs to the park through town. The company provides helmets. Renters must be at least 18 years-old to rent a Polaris ATV. Reservations are recommended.
One of the best ways to explore the Broken Bow nature areas is by ATV or UTV. If you’re not up to a hike or just want to reach new areas, you can find a vehicle that will accommodate up to six people. Bandits also rents party barges for large groups who want to relax on the river.
This store, just west of Oklahoma City, offers RZR ATVs for rent on a per day basis. Renters must be at least 18 years-old with an Oklahoma state driver’s license. Reservations are recommended, but you can check availability online. The website has a list of some great trails. Even if you aren’t close enough to rent an ATV at this store, check out their resources.
Although this store doesn’t have rentals, they have some good deals on pre-owned ATVs, dirt bikes, and motorcycles. You can find KYMCO and other brands, as well as all the accessories you need to be safe on the trail.
This Tulsa retailer carries Tao Tao, Roketa and Massimo ATVs as well as high-quality helmets that are Department of Transportation-approved. The store also provides service for the lines they carry. According to the website, they can beat their competitors by five percent.
If you want Kawasaki ATVs, this Oklahoma City retailer has a large inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles. Shop online or go to the store to find HJC helmets and other equipment for taking an ATV out on the trail. In 2020, the store celebrates 50 years in the Oklahoma City area. It has a rock-solid reputation in the state for providing excellent customer service.
Jones Offroad is a locally owned and operated business that gets great reviews. They feature Polaris and Can-Am ATVs and carry a new and pre-owned inventory. You’ll also find parts and service, equipment and more when you shop at this highly recommended ATV store.
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Don’t let the 2.4-mile length of the trail fool you. This trail starts out fairly flat, but when it opens up onto the boulder field, you’ll have to climb, hop, and even crawl to get through the irregular terrain. However, the views of Oklahoma’s prairie landscapes are stunning when viewed atop one of the formations. Bring plenty of water. Make sure you have good, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. Above all, watch out for rattlesnakes.
The trail begins at Cedar Lake and takes you through the Ouachita National Forest. In the fall, this hike is not only exhilarating, but gorgeous with the changing colors of the leaves. It’s close to the Talimena Scenic Byway. Hikers are welcome all year long, but summers get hot. You’ll hike 11 miles if you take the complete route, but it can be demanding in places due to steep grades and long climbs up the mountain. You can drink the water from the area’s springs and streams, provided you treat it first.
These dedicated hiking trails are popular, but they do present a challenge. Together, the trails are five miles in length, but you don’t have to hike the entire system at one time. The Creek Loop Trail is about 1.5 miles-long and will take you through the woods and into rocky bluffs. The trails were carefully thought out for an enjoyable, but not too difficult hike. All of the trails are easily accessible from the campgrounds or park office. Depending on the season you visit, you may spot white-tailed deer, grey fox, wild turkey, or a bald eagle.
This trail system is seven smaller trails that can be mixed and matched. The entire trail is about 12.5 miles-long. The Skyline Trail runs five miles, and is one of the more advanced routes. You won’t get lost because the trail is well marked, but you’ll cross streams and enjoy steep climbs as you take on the nature trail. The system is considered one of the best in Oklahoma. It can be challenging and invigorating, but the landscape is absolutely gorgeous. You can primitive camp, but you’ll want to make sure to bring a camp stove as campfires are not permitted.
This trail system requires a free permit to hike, bike, or ride a horse though the park. It’s simply a way to keep track of the users and make sure everyone understands that this is a “quiet-water” zone. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. The area is virtually untouched, and there is always plenty of wildlife to view. There are over 25 miles of trails, clearly marked and usually free of brush. If you want to camp, note that there are hardly any amenities.
]]>Bernice is known as the “Crappie Capital of the World.” The fishing at the park is off the hook, pun intended. Largemouth bass, white bass, and channel catfish are abundant. If you’re not into fishing, you’ll find plenty of places to birdwatch. The walking path is handicap-accessible and features two wildlife watch towers. The park also boasts a nature center. The opportunities are endless here and you’ll enjoy every moment of being immersed in nature.
This museum houses over 50 custom-built exotic vehicles. Although many were built by Starbird himself over the past 50 years, some of the cars are from other designers. You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate these vehicles, many of which were futuristic in their day.
This museum has several historic buildings which house antiques, collectibles, and reproductions, to give visitors a chance to see what life was like in the late 19th century in Oklahoma. The Village opens in March for the tourist season. Check out the calendar for historic trade and craft demonstrations.
Enjoy the games and entertainment at this casino not far from the lake’s shore. Venue 655 Restaurant is a great place to grab a meal, but the real excitement are the gaming machines. Come in, relax, and try to win big!
For some down-home cooking, Road Hog is the place to be. The décor is definitely unique. The motorcycle over the bar is truly an antique. The French fries are made fresh. The pork is smoked in-house. The burgers cooked to order. Get lunch here. You won’t regret it.
If you’re not into camping, you’ll find off- and on-season accommodations at this lakeside resort. Stay in the hotel, or get a private cabin with all the amenities you’d expect.
Plan a fishing trip with this fisherman who has 26 years of experience catching fish in Grand Lake. He can accommodate large parties, furnishes tackle and gear, and takes you to some of the best fishing spots on the lake.
This golf course sits near the Pensacola Dam which makes a lovely backdrop while you’re teeing off. It’s a beautiful public course with tree-lined fairways and minimum water hazards.
The Artichoke won the People’s Choice Award at the 2017 Taste of Grand event. It’s a charming restaurant, a renovated farmhouse that retained its style. The chef knows how to cook a steak to perfection. They use fresh, local produce, growing their own herbs and supporting local producers. The restaurant is eco-friendly and locally-owned. Make reservations for dinner, especially in the summer months, to make sure you get a table.
]]>The Gloss Mountains are located near Fairview, Oklahoma. Sometimes, they’re called the Glass Mountains, because of the selenite content that makes these mountains appear to have a shiny, glass-like exterior. The park has restroom facilities, and public water and grills. Climbing to the top of Cathedral Mountain gives you a spectacular view across the landscape. Bring your camera to take home your memories!
The Wildlife Department recommends taking Loop 8 around the area to experience the mesas that glitter with bright hues of green, gold, and blue. Take Highway 412 between Orienta and Bouse Junction for a scenic route that is also a great birding route. You might see road runners, turkey vultures, and eagles.
Park in the lower parking lot. Follow the trail to the top of Cathedral Mountain. The trail is 1.2 miles in length. The park has brochures available which point out the interesting facts, but you’ll see many rock formations, working oil pump jacks, ponds, wildlife, and stunning views along every step of the hike. There’s a stairway system in place to help you get to the top.
About 30 miles northeast of the park, you’ll find a museum that was once a Harvey House. It’s a nice place to get some history about the area and see what it might have been like riding the train in the late-19th century.
This authentic German restaurant is a great place to get dinner. It’s been serving Bavarian food, like jaeger schnitzel, pretzels and authentic German beers since 1998. While this is an Oklahoma favorite all year long, the German cuisine is particularly excellent during the colder months.
At one time, sod houses dotted the Oklahoma landscape. This sod house in Aline, about 20 miles from the state park, is the only one remaining in Oklahoma that was built in the late-19th century. This museum has preserved early artifacts from a homesteader’s life. It’s a great exhibit to experience what life might have been like in early statehood.
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The state park doesn’t offer campsites, but this ranch, just a few minutes away from the park has campsites, RV sites, and a lodge. They have a stocked farm pond, just bring your license and equipment. From May to September, the wildflowers are in bloom and truly a sight to see. The light pollution is limited, making star gazing a great evening activity!
]]>The parks department bills this campground as an Oklahoma oasis. There are six public campsites with reasonable nightly rates, and tent camping is recommended at the Platt Historic District. The one caveat is that there are no public showers or vault toilets at those sites, but there are some limited facilities. The area has a lot of different outdoor activities, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and more, and you’ll find some indoor activities, like a nature center where you can get more information about the local fauna and flora to know what to look for.
At Beavers Bend, you’ll find 56 different tent campsites as well as lodges and cabins to book. Pitch your tent in one of the campgrounds in the northwest side of the Lower Mountain Fork River and wake up to a gorgeous sunrise over the water. You have access to plenty of activities, including riding stables, jet skis (which can rented), fishing, and a children’s playground. Beavers Bend has a nice lake where families can swim or take out a paddleboat. If that’s not enough, there is a miniature golf course, many hiking trails, and other family-friendly amenities. For a more primitive camping experience, go to the southeast part of the park.
Eagle Bluff Resort features camping and floating in one great park. What makes this resort great for families is that they offer a family-friendly site where security enforces quiet after 11:00 p.m. for the kids who need to get to sleep. They have campsites and RV sites, with a shower house, a children’s playground, volleyball, and basketball courts. There is also a restaurant on site that is open on the weekend. The best deals are when you pay for camping and a float trip, but this campground is an excellent weekend getaway for families!
The campsites available here include Doris Campground and Fawn Creek Campground. Backcountry camping is also available. Doris Campground offers sites for tents or RVs with or without electricity, and it has sites for tent-only camping. All sites include a picnic table, grill, and a fire ring, and it has family-friendly accommodations, showers and toilets. Drinking water, firewood, and bagged ice are available for purchase on site. Pets on a leash are welcome. The refuge has an educational center, nature trails and plenty of places for fishing and picnicking. The Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition works with the refuge to provide rock climbing opportunities, with different levels of difficulty.
Greenleaf State Park is a beautiful park located near Muskogee. You can reserve a cabin, park an RV, or pitch a tent. Canoes, paddleboats and kayaks can be rented here, as well. There are children’s programs, fishing, hiking, swimming and volleyball sites at the park. Restrooms and showers are available for campers, as are laundry facilities, outdoor grills and a playground. Pets are allowed in the park, on a leash. There are modern sites, semi-modern sites and primitive sites available for camping.
]]>This campground near the beautiful Lake Eufaula has earned awards and garnered rave reviews for its spacious, wide, extra-long RV sites with all the amenities. The Chuck Wagon Café is located on site to cook your meals, and there is a casino, golf course, and museums close by. Kayak and canoe rentals are also on-site and you can enjoy the barnyard zoo, even if you do not have kids.
Greenleaf State Park offers 23 full hook-up sites, 77 RV sites with water, and 50-amp electric. You can make reservations online. On site, you’ll find tons of amenities and activities, as well as spectacular views. There is an aquatics center with a pool, a miniature golf course, a nature center and kids fishing pond. You can enjoy hiking in the park or boating in the lake.
The address might be Vinita, but this RV resort is actually in what’s known locally as Grand Towne Lake. Water’s Edge has 80 sites that are 25 feet-wide. Many of the sites have private decks that overlook Grand Lake, and all of the sites have full hook-ups, city water, and sewer service. You’ll find fire rings and grills at each site, laundry facilities on premise, and easy access to a grocery store, gas stations, restaurants, and boating docks. Grand Lake is known for fishing and watersports, and this RV campground is in a beautiful location.
The Wichita Mountains have got to be one of the best places to observe nature and enjoy stunning scenery in Oklahoma. Doris Campground is the only site which allows RVs. There are only 23 sites with electrical hook-ups, but there are so many opportunities at the park to enjoy nature, it’s not about the amenities available. Bring your hiking boots and trek up the mountain to enjoy the view. Head on over to Medicine Park for a few hours to get your Mears’ hamburger before you leave the area.
This RV park, located in the sparkling mountains near Lake Altus, offers a fun park for children, complete with a Ferris wheel, water slides, bumper cars, and more. Adults might enjoy the golf course, nature center, paddle boats, and hiking trails. Camping is first come, first served, but there are over 110 sites on the grounds.
]]>This conference and festival is a fundraiser for the Bigfoot Scholarship Fund, but it’s a blast if you’re into myths and legends of Bigfoot. In the evening, bigfoot encounter stories are told around the campfire, all are invited to share their stories. During the day, opt for a hike the forest where Bigfoot is thought to live. Saturday morning offers a 5K/one-mile run. There is plenty of excitement to go around and activities to do!
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With its magnificent red canyon walls, challenging hikes, and ample campsites, Red Rock Canyon is a fall camping dream. If it’s warm enough, you can camp with a tent for $14 per night. Guests are more than welcome to hook-up their RV for $22-$25 per night, as well.
This scenic highway was designed to be a beautiful drive in the fall when the leaves change. You can pick your adventure, whether you’re a history buff or want some adventure in the great outdoors. If you’re making it a weekend trip, try to stop for dinner at The Rock House in Talihena. You’ll need to make reservations, but the views of the mountains from your dining table are breathtaking.
Oklahoma has dozens of haunted houses that are only open in October, and Trail of Fear has to be one of the best and longest-running attractions in the state. It has almost 20 years of terror. It’s open every weekend in October and typically the weekend following Halloween.
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The season opens in mid-September with a corn maze in a design to honor a local hero. In October, the corn maze gets haunted when the sun goes down. Don't forget to sign up for the Monster Trail 5K and one-mile fun run. There are a lot of events going on in the fall months so be sure to check out their event page for more details.
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This family-owned stable offers trail rides for new and experienced riders. Get the whole cowboy experience by planning your vacation to sleep under stars, cook over an open fire and relax in the peace and quiet of nature.
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The Broken Bow Trout Guide Service is owned and operated by experienced fisherman Steve Branson. If you’d like to learn a thing or two about trout fishing, it’s best to get some hands-on experience with an expert! Branson offers trips for spin casting and fly fishing as well as a special Rainbow Trout Package which includes four hours of fishing for rainbow trout split between fly and spin casting.
]]>Likewise, bass fishing is starting to pick up again as the weather begins to cool. Huge schools of threadfin shad are starting to filter away from open-water ledges into bays and tributaries where feeding conditions and water temperatures are more optimum.
Bass follow the food, first setting up on ledges at the mouths of inlets and creeks to waylay shad, then migrating back toward shallower water to keep up with their quarry.
Fall Script for Southern Bass
Bass rule in Dixie and cooler weather brings out an army of anglers who go after them. Whether largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, they’re available in most waters and sometimes all three varieties are present in a fishery, ready to aggravate or gratify those who seek them.
Hot Spots To Fish: When it comes to the South’s best lakes for fall fishing, the big TVA impoundments fit the bill. Because this is bass tournament country, dozens of YouTube videos and Facebook sites of pro anglers offer useful advice on where and how to catch autumn largemouths. Likewise, guide services are plentiful; just Google “fishing guides” for the lake you’re visiting or type in the town nearest the lake you wish to fish on the interactive map on this page.
Tackle You’ll Need: A 7-foot medium/heavy rod such as the St. Croix Premier Cranking, a baitcasting reel like the Abu Garcia Revo Winch and 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament makes a good combination to fish downsized lures.
Quick tip: This is strictly a match-the-hatch deal. Use lures that are about the same size as wandering shad. If young-of-the-year threadfins are on the bass menu, try small swim baits fished on drop-shot rigs.
Best Lures/Baits: Shad-colored, shallow- and medium-diving square-billed or coffin-billed crankbaits are autumn standouts. Popular lures include the Strike King 6XD, Bandit 100 or 200, Duo Realis M65, Livetarget Magnum Shad BaitBall Squarebill, Megabass S-Crank, Lucky Craft Squarebill 2.5, Storm Arashi and Rapala Shad Rap.
Fish them around shoreline cover and on the flats between creek drop-offs and the bank. Other fallback baits include spinnerbaits like the Booyah Super Shad, Stanley Vibrashaft and Nichols Pulsator. Good buzzbait options can be found from Lunker Lure, Damiki, Santone and Dirty Jigs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
Rendezvous With Redfish
Along the northern Gulf Coast from Carrabelle, FL, to Grand Isle, LA, the redfish season begins in late September and continues in stages through December. Some anglers fish in the surf with cut bait, while others station themselves on area piers or in boats on relatively shallow flats near channel cuts.
Hot Spots To Fish: For boating anglers, a couple of spots stick out. Pensacola Bay Pass is a must-fish for boaters. Anchor up on the broad flat between old Fort Pickens and the channel, set out lines as the tide changes to incoming, and hang on. Need more help? Redfish University Pensacola Fishing Charters (850-748-4368, redfishuniversity.com) specializes in the big drum.
At Grand Isle, LA, book a trip with Gotta Go Fishing Charters (225-921-3642, gottagofishingcharters.com). The marshes and inshore waters around Venice, LA, are primo redfish haunts as well. Captain Mike Frenette (504-782-0924, laredfish.com or ([email protected]) is a top guide here.
Tackle You’ll Need: “Rat” reds of 3 pounds and up, or real bruisers weighing in excess of 20 pounds require a range of tackle options. Bass fishing tackle – whether spinning or baitcasting – is perfect for handling smaller fish and for casting jigs or swimbaits that weigh less than an ounce. A Shimano Stradic spinning reel and 7-foot medium-action Shimano Compre rod with 14-pound-test monofilament.
For bigger fish, consider a Penn Battle II BTLII5000 with 20-pound-test monofilament or 40-pound-test braid, and a 30-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. A 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod (such as the Penn Battalion BATIN1220S70) should handle any bait rigs or lures and wear down a bull redfish in short order.
Quick Tip: Incoming tides in late evening or at night are primo times for reds as the fish free-spawn then in the mouths of coastal bays and estuaries. If you can’t fish any other time, make sure you fish the incoming tides.
Best Lures/Baits: Redfish aren’t particular about their dietary requirements and will eat anything from blue crabs to halved mullet. Swimming spoons such as the Johnson Sprite (johnsonfishing.com), swimbaits and jigs or even topwater poppers, such as the Heddon Saltwater Spook, will elicit strikes.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Baldy Point has a half-mile-long face on the south side which offers some of the best routes in the region for rock climbing. The majority of the climbs at the point are rated 5.7 to 5.11+ and they include low-angle and high-angle faces, chimneys, cracks and more. Some sport routes have developed that require more athletic moves. The region probably has more than 500 rock climbing routes along different mountains. You’re sure to find a place to climb that’s quiet, beautiful and challenging.
Charon’s Garden Trail has a 2.4-mile-long path. It’s a rocky, rugged landscape with granite boulders. There are places for rock climbing and boulder hopping along the trail. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service asks climbers to do everything they can to reduce the impact on the environment to maintain open access in the mountains. You’ll find many other routes in this area, but this one has to be one of the most popular.
Robbers Cave State Park is a favorite outdoor location for rock climbers, hikers, and nature lovers. The sandstone cliffs offer some great climbing routes, mostly beginner and intermediate levels, but there are a few difficult climbs. Autumn is one of the best times to climb at the park, but it’s open year-round. Horse Coral Face is a popular place to climb. It has about 18 routes that are beginner level, but it’s a fairly small area that often is busy. Make time to see the cave where Jesse James hid out to see part of the history of Oklahoma.
It’s rare to have a location for rock climbing in a large city that isn’t a gym, but Chandler Park has limestone boulders 15-25 feet in height. There are routes for every level of climber. Most of the climbs have trees or boulders to set up top-rope anchors. The rocks are vertical to overhanging, and the approach or descent is usually a third or fourth class scramble. Look for a local climber to find the best routes, because there are too many to list.
Zen Pen is just west of Tulsa. It doesn’t have a lot of routes, but does offer beginner to intermediate climbs. It’s easy to access. At Highway 51 and Highway 48, go north about a mile. You can park near the train tracks. Walk west toward the river along the tracks, then go south along the cliff band. Some people have accessed the routes through the VFW, too.
]]>This park marks the start of the Talimena Scenic Drive, which takes you through the Ouachita National Forest. There are many different hiking trails in the state park, for hikers of all levels. The area is known for its spectacular fall foliage.
This park was once a hideout for outlaws, such as Jesse James and Belle Starr. In the fall, it’s a beautiful place to hike and enjoy fall colors. You can go hiking in the Sans Bois Mountains or take a walking history tour through the park. Some of the best trails are near the lakes, where you can find a lot of wildlife and foliage.
Green Country is a great place for fall colors. In the forest at Osage Hills State Park, you’ll see vivid shades of yellow, orange and red, dotted with green leaves that haven’t turned. Osage Hills has plenty of hiking trails along the water, and it has a walking historic tour. You’ll want to drive to each location, then hike to the viewing station. The Hollow Bridge is a beautiful example of keystone construction.
Travel OK lists Beavers Bend State Park as one of the best bets for fall foliage in the state. The towering trees turn shades of yellow and red in the fall. Mixed with the pine trees that never turn colors, it’s a beautiful sight. Highway 259 is one of the best driving spots in the area, but within the park, there are many different trails for hikers of all levels. The Cedar Bluff Hiking Trail is highly recommended.
This lake, just north of Claremore, is close to the birthplace ranch of Will Rogers, famous Oklahoma humorist. You can walk through the grounds of the Dog Iron Ranch and enjoy the fall colors, or take a hike on one of the trails tucked away near the lake. The oak and hickory leaves can change into stunning colors, depending on the fall temperatures. Spend an autumn afternoon enjoying the cool breeze off the lake and the gorgeous forest. To top off your day, stop by Claremore’s Route 66 Nut House for some homemade apple butter with the delicious flavors of fall.
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