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The Oklahoma motorcycle accident injury lawyers at Edwards & Patterson know that Oklahoma has some of the greatest roads in the country for motorcycle riders. TravelOK recently compiled a list of the top roads in the state for motorcycle riders to enjoy, whether for beautiful scenery, sights and attractions to visit along the way, or twisty roads that provide a fun and challenging ride.
If you are looking for your next ride through Oklahoma, check out these top 10 routes:
Route 66 West from Miami to Arcadia
Certainly no motorcycle trip in Oklahoma could leave off Route 66, so famous that it bears the name “America’s Main Street.” Beginning in Miami, follow Route 66 until you reach the Ribbon Road, an original section of Route 66 that is only 9 feet wide. Back on the main route, keep riding west until you reach the Ozark Trail west of Sapula, which carried a portion of Route 66 until the 1950s.
Along the way, you can stop for food at the Rock Café, whose décor features rocks from the original excavation for Route 66. Menu items include the famous alligator burger and jagerschnitzel. You should also stop at the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, whose collection includes over 60 motorcycles from the early 1900s to the present. Finally, in Arcadia, be sure to visit two Route 66 landmarks – the Round Barn and POPS, a gas station famous for its LED-lit, 66-foot soda bottle sculpture where you can both fill up your motorcycle and try one of 650 soda flavors.
Route 66 West Through El Reno and Weatherford
This part of famed Route 66 travels through the open prairies of Oklahoma. Begin in Oklahoma City and continue west on Route 66 to El Reno, where you have a number of dining options to sample the city’s famed fried onion burger. You can also detour to the ghost town of Bridgeport and its bridge, which spans over the South Canadian River.
Along the way, you can stop at Lucille’s Service Station, one of Route 66’s famed gas and service stations that continued in operation until its namesake owner passed away in 2000. Ending in Weatherford, you can stop for food at Lucille’s Roadhouse, a Route 66-themed restaurant named for Lucille’s Service Station.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
The Talimena National Scenic Byway will definitely attract those motorcycles looking for winding roads combined with beautiful scenery. The byway begins in Talimena State Park in Talihina. The byway particularly shines during both the spring bloom and the fall foliage. Ending in the Ouachita National Forest leaves you with plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking.
Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway
Running alongside the Wichita Mountains, the scenic byway includes scenery of rocky lowlands, grass prairies, and timberland, all of which are especially beautiful in full bloom come summer and with the fall foliage. On your ride, stop off at the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 50 species of mammals, 64 species of reptiles, and 240 species of birds, all of which free-range on the refuge.
You can also ride your bike up to the top of Mount Scott for great views. If you need to stop for food, try Meers Store & Restaurant over on the northeast end of the Refuge, famed for its longhorn burger made from herd raised by the store.
OK-20 Through Claremore and Spavinaw
This 38-mile stretch of road winds through Oklahoma’s Green Country, beginning at the Will Rodgers Museum in Claremore that celebrates the life and career of “Oklahoma’s favorite son.” Continue on OK-20 through Pryor and over the Lake Hudson Bridge into Salina before turning toward Spavinaw. This section of the highway should be avoided by novice riders. Even more experienced riders will need to slow down in many parts, especially the downward sloping hairpin of “Dead Man’s Curve.” You will end your ride at Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake State Park.
OK-8 Through Roman Nose and Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
Highway 8 provides great never-ending views of Oklahoma’s famous red dirt. Begin in Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, where you can enjoy canyon views and several natural springs. The trees in the park also provide a wide variety of colors no matter the season. Continue on Highway 8 through Watonga and Geary, crossing over Route 66, and ending at Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park in Hinton. The park offers great options for those riders looking to stretch their legs on a nature trail or one of the park’s tougher hiking paths.
OK-10 from Tahlequah to Greenleaf State Park
Another road located in Oklahoma’s Green Country, begin on Highway 10 north of Tahlequah, following along the Illinois River. Take it slow and enjoy the scenery, as this portion of Highway 10 has many winding turns that are hard to see around. Along the way, visit the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah and the Fort Gibson Historic Site. Continue your ride to Braggs and visit the Camp Gruber Recreational Area or Greenleaf State Park.
Highway 7 from Sulphur to Davis
For a shorter ride, take Highway 7 through the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, alongside creeks, brooks, and waterfalls, covered by dense tree foliage. The ride also provides many opportunities to stop off at one of the swimming holes along the highway.
Continuing through Davis, you can pick up some great barbecue at Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch just off Highway 77. End your ride at Turner Falls Park in the Arbuckle Mountains to see Oklahoma’s tallest waterfalls.
OK-123 Through Barnsdall and Bartlesville
Ride Highway 123, which connects Barnsdall and Bartlesville. Beginning in Barnsdall, visit the only main street oil well in the country (although no longer in operation). Highway 123 is perfect for those riders looking for smooth, flat road with expansive vistas.
On your way, you can stop at the Woolaroc Ranch, Museum, and Wildlife Preserve, which hosts an American Southwest history museum along with herds of buffalo, longhorns, Highlands cattle, elk, and deer.
Continue your journey to Bartlesville, which is home to Price Tower, designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Today, the tower hosts an arts center and offers guided tours.
Route 33 from Guthrie to Perkins
Ride along Route 33 through Oklahoma’s Frontier County, beginning in Guthrie at the Santa Fe Depot. You can also get some food before setting off at the Stables Café in Guthrie’s historic downtown. Setting off from Guthrie, cross over the Canadian River on your way toward Perkins.
Ending in Perkins, you can stop at the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza, an open-air museum that hosts several restored buildings from throughout Oklahoma’s history, including a 19th century schoolhouse, a log cabin from the turn of the 20th century, and a mid-20th century service station.
