Best Motorcycle Roads and Destinations in Oklahoma, United States

Referred to as “the Sooner State” to reflect the residents’ pride, progressivism, and energetic, can-do spirit, Oklahoma is ideal for motorcyclists with adventurous spirits who are looking to spend time on their motorcycles. Oklahoma’s topography is full of cypress swamps, tall grass prairies, and pine-covered mountains. Because this state has plenty of changes in elevation, beautiful scenery, and diverse terrain, the routes motorcyclists can travel provide both majestic views to admire and winding paths to keep them engaged.

Considering Oklahoma is such a large Southern state, it might be difficult to figure out where you would like to go. Luckily, Oklahoma has a list of notable routes and locations that are popular amongst motorcyclists. The variety of options guarantees that there is always a motorcycle road or destination in Oklahoma that will suit your preferences in terms of distance, difficulty, and enjoyment.

Distance: 60 miles
Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Start: Talihina, OK
End: Mena, AR

This route passes through both the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Within the heart of the Choctaw Country, this route takes you along the ridgeline shared by the Winding Stair and the Rich Mountains. As you continue along, you will reach the highest point of the route between the Appalachians and the Rockies.

Aside from mountains, you can also admire the forested areas you pass along the way including the Talimena State Park, the Ouachita National Forest, and the Cedar Lake Recreation Center.

It is recommended you visit this scenic byway during either the fall or spring as the leafy foliage provides a beautiful spectacle either when the leaves are changing color or provide a thick green shade from the sun. 

Distance: 77 miles
Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Start: Noble
End: Noble

When you start in Noble, go and visit the Timberlake Rose Rock Museum to see the handcrafted rock formations with their floral designs.

As you head eastward towards Tribbey, your surroundings should be full of rolling hills with sharp weaving curves full of sudden turns. The scenery will begin to change as you get closer to Wanette as the sides of the road will be lined with forests.

Between Wanette and Byars, the rows of trees along the sides of the route seem to curve inward and almost form a natural tunnel of greenery. You will cross over the South Canadian River by going over a bridge that was originally repurposed from an old railroad. 

Distance: 115 miles
Time: 2 hours 23 minutes
Start: Edmond
End: Edmond

As you turn northward, you will arrive in Guthrie, a city rich in historical buildings. There is an establishment suited to a different taste such as the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum, the Oklahoma Sports Museum, and the Art Glass Emporium.

Upon making it to Stillwater, there are places where you can admire wildlife or enjoy some quiet. You can visit the Lost Creek Safari and get to see exotic animals. Or you can stroll through Boomer Lake Park and the Botanic Garden.

As you head to Guthrie, most of your surroundings will be open country and flat fields which should make for a leisurely ride. Continuing to Stillwater, you will navigate both long, sweeping, and tight but fun curves. 

Distance: 21 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Start: Honobia
End: Talhinia

As you head northward, you will be able to catch sight of the Kiamichi Mountain in the distance. You will also pass close to the Ouachita National Forest. You can use the area to do camping, hiking, or have lunch at a picnic area.

Due to passing through untamed wilderness, much of the road will have twists, turns, and rolling hills for you to traverse.

When you get to Talhinia, you can explore the Talimena State Park or grab some food at the Legend’s Bar & Grill. 

Distance: 23 miles
Time: 38 minutes
Start: Ardmore
End: Dickson

Before you leave Ardmore, you should explore all that this city has to offer. You can browse the interesting items in stock at the Ardmore Emporium Antiques. You can learn about Oklahoma’s past by spending time at the Greater Southwest Historical Museum. You technically could begin your journey here since it overlooks Lake Murray.

As you travel along Lake Murray’s coast, you can admire the lakefront by going to the Tucker Tower Nature Center. If you wish to hike around and admire the forests, you can go to Lake Murray State Park. 

Distance: 72 miles
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Start: Tahlequah
End: Tahlequah

Named after the famous children’s novel by Wilson Rawls, this route travels alongside the Illinois River. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can pull off to the side of the road towards any small docks. You can try your hand at canoeing or rowboats depending on where you are along the length of the Illinois River.

Before or near the end of your journey, you can spend time enjoying the sights in Tahlequah. You can visit the Cherokee National Prison Museum or the Cherokee National History Museum.

During the return trip, you will pass through the town of Westville. You can tour Lincoln Lake City Park, Siloam Springs Kayak Park, and Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. If you are looking for a hot meal after completing a long ride, head to the Double R & P Gas and Grill. 

Distance: 60 miles
Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
Start: Broken Bow
End: Honobia

As you leave Broken Bow behind, you will pass by Horseshoe Mountain, East High Peak, and Carter Mountain. Be cautious when traveling up the sudden rises and falls as the rocky terrain can take you by surprise. If you look to your right, you can just make out the Broken Bow Reservoir in the distance.

Upon entering the Ouachita National Forest, there will be fast sweepers to be careful of as you ascend the mountains. This stretch of the route can be treacherous yet exciting due to how many blind hills there are. Take it slow as you reach the top as you have no idea which direction the road will go.

If you choose to take a rest in Smithville, you may want to meet up with other motorcyclists at the bar known as Jim’s Red Barn. 

Distance: 41 miles
Time: 49 minutes
Start: Tulsa
End: Cleveland

Cruise through the streets of Tulsa and you may find attractions that will pique your interest. You can look inside the bizarrely structured Cave House, see the exotic wildlife at the Tulsa Zoo, and see the statue of an archer in front of the Gilcrease Museum.

You start out traveling on curvy roads that travel over rolling hills which eventually get high enough so that you can see Lake Keystone. As you descend and continue to wind around the lakefront, the terrain alternates from flat and sparse to hilly and wooded.

When you reach Cleveland, you can meet up with other motorcyclists and rest up from your trip to the Buffalo Tavern West.

Distance: 52 miles
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Start: Osage
End: Tulsa

Take a gander through Osage Point Park before you set out on the open highway then travel on the New Prue Road. When you come across the town of Hominy, you may catch sight of Native American warriors on horseback. Do not be alarmed, they are just statues called the New Territory.

As you head southeast, you will cross over Skiatook Lake and get close to the Skiatook Lake Dam. You will eventually come across the appropriately named Lake Road that will take you to the Tall Chief Cove.

Except for the area around Skiatook Lake which is mainly covered in dense forests, most of your surroundings during the ride will be stretches of high plains with plenty of curvy roads and rolling hills.

Distance: 24 miles
Time: 33 minutes
Start: Salina
End: Jay

While you are still near Salina, you can relax and rest your feet at Blue Hole Park. You can wade in the shallow lagoon, hike into the woods nearby, or take your motorcycle alongside the limestone bluffs.

The path towards the end of Kenwood Road stays the course and heads eastward. However, the road is not as straightforward or flat as it seems on a map. Most of the natural scenery will be valleys, cliffs, and clear streams along the road. You will have to stay on your toes as there are sharp 90 degree turns, narrow blindspots, and sudden twists.

Distance: 26 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Start: Norman
End: Norman

Moving away from the untamed wilderness of Oklahoma, you take your motorcycle on an urban adventure. You will follow Alameda Road until you cross the bridge over Lake Thunderbird. At Lake Thunderbird, you can engage in fishing, hiking, or look for the famous Lake Monster.

As you loop back upward towards Franklin Road, you can pass by the home of the famous American singer, Toby Keith. If you are looking for a souvenir, seek out the classic Hollywood Corners store. 

In Oklahoma, it is illegal for motorcyclists who have not reached their 18th birthday to operate a two-wheel motor vehicle without wearing an approved three-quarter or full-face helmet . 

While Oklahoma does not impose a specified age restriction, some criteria must be met before it can be deemed safe for you to transport another person on your motorcycle.

If your passenger is under the age of 18, he/she is required to wear an approved three-quarter or full-face helmet that is as durable as your own. 

Some motorcyclists tend to forget to conduct examinations on their vehicles to check for any damage to the machinery. While it is better to look over your motorcycle while it is still parked before every ride, you should at least inspect it periodically every few weeks. Identifying any faulty equipment and applying the necessary repairs will save you from getting into an accident in Oklahoma.

• Horn

• Wheels

• Fenders

• Tires

• Handlebars 

• Brake system

• Controls

• Headlight

• Taillight

• Brake light

• Reflector

• Exhaust system

• Muffler

• Rearview mirrors

• Turn signals

• Windshield

To discourage riders from trying any unsafe behavior on the road, lane splitting is deemed illegal in Oklahoma.

As there is more complexity to Oklahoma motorcycle laws than what basic information was stated here, you may want to check out this link .

If you have a love for exploring the world on wheels or putting your riding skills to the test, then Oklahoma is the place you and your motorcycle need to be. Planning out your route is integral if you want to make your motorcycle trip through Oklahoma a success. However, you should also take your time with the other preparations. Becoming familiar with Oklahoma’s motorcycle laws will help keep you and other drivers safe. Picking the motorcycle luggage suited to your vehicle’s model will prevent your things from being swept away by the wind.

Regarding Oklahoma’s roads and destinations, this article has provided brief descriptions plus predicted ETA’s and distances. But these just scratch the surface of what attractions, activities, and other wonders you may encounter during your journey. Rather than just focusing on getting from one point to the next, take your time to appreciate the natural scenery, local businesses, and small towns along the route. You may discover surprises that very few other motorcyclists know.

Take the knowledge you have gained and venture forth on your motorcycle trip through Oklahoma. Remember to enjoy the experience and ride safe!