There’s a certain hush that falls over Choctaw Country when autumn arrives – a kind of sacred stillness, where every rustling branch and glowing hillside feels like nature’s own hymn. The air turns crisp, the forests ignite with color and the winding roads call out with the promise of discovery. Whether you’re sipping cider by the fire or chasing the sun through a canopy of crimson and gold, this is the season for slowing down and taking it all in. So pack your flannel, cue up your favorite road trip playlist and hit the highway for the ultimate fall foliage getaway. From misty riversides to mountaintop views, here are the can’t – miss stops to make this autumn unforgettable. BROKEN BOW AREA The Broken Bow area is a masterpiece in autumn – a place where every bend in the river and every trail through the trees feels like stepping into a storybook. Start your journey in Beavers Bend State Park along the Upper Mountain Fork River, where crystal-clear water reflects the changing leaves like a mirror. Whether you’re casting a line into the cool current or drifting downstream in a kayak, it’s hard not to feel in sync with the rhythm of the season here. Tucked along the river’s edge, Mountain Fork Park Campgrounds offer a peaceful place to pitch a tent and watch the forest light up with gold and crimson. Wake up to the smell of pine and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, then sip your coffee as mist lifts off the river. And if you return later in the fall, be sure to stop by the Forest Heritage Center for the Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show – an annual celebration of bluegrass music, handmade art and old-fashioned charm, all set against the backdrop of brilliant fall color. It’s the kind of experience that makes you want to linger just a little longer. TALIHINA AREA In Talihina, fall arrives like a grand unveiling. The crown jewel of the season is the Talimena National Scenic Byway, a breathtaking drive that winds high through the Ouachita Mountains, offering panoramic views of fiery foliage rolling out to the horizon. Pull over at any overlook and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting – where every brushstroke is a tree touched by autumn. At the base of the byway, Talimena State Park invites you to slow down and explore. Take a hike beneath a golden canopy, breathe in the crisp mountain air or simply sit and watch the leaves flutter to the ground like confetti. Time your visit with the Talihina Fall Foliage Festival, and you’ll be treated to an enchanting mix of live music, artisan vendors and small-town hospitality that makes this little mountain community shine even brighter. WILBURTON AREA For a dose of fall color with a side of adventure, make your way to the Wilburton area. Robbers Cave State Park is a rugged, storied landscape where sandstone cliffs rise above forests set ablaze by autumn’s touch. Hike the winding trails, climb to the infamous cave that once sheltered outlaws or rent a paddleboat and float beneath a canopy of changing leaves. The scenery is dramatic, the history rich and the photo ops endless. Just a short drive away, Heavener Runestone Park offers a quieter kind of wonder. Here, beneath the glow of golden treetops, you’ll find ancient mystery etched in stone – a towering slab carved with runes that continue to spark curiosity and legend. Visit in October to catch the annual Viking Festival, where the legend of the runestone comes to life through historical reenactments, traditional crafts, live music and family-friendly fun.