[eddie gein]

Originally Posted by linicx

The problem with the eastern border of the state is there isn't much in the way of towns and services between Grove and Tahlequah. There is very few services between Jay and Ft. Smith on US 69, but the scenery is awesome. This is mostly due to the Ozark Mountain Range that extends into the Eastern part of the County halfway to Tulsa.

It is certainly spectacular over there when the leaves change. But I'm thinking that's about right now and not in a couple of weeks.

[linicx]

Northeast Oklahoma south of I-44, and especially around Grove, has spectacular views of the lake with or without leaves. Now, when the leaves are missing it is easier to see the mountainous areas and deep valleys. If you stop at a one of the cut-outs in the mountains on the way to Eureka Springs the scenery can be breath-taking. It is also easier to see deer among the trees at dusk and sunup.

The thing is I spent a lot of time traveling between home and SoCal. I spent some time in Muskpgee, and I drove to Dallas a couple of times. Otherwise when I was home I hung out in NWA, NEOK, SWMO, or Tulsa. The point is this. ES and Fayaetteville are not that far apart. There is a lot more to do in NWA this time of year than there is in Eastern OK. Fall is my favorite season, but if you are not fishing or taking pictures, you'll be bored with the quiet if you aren't used to it. One summer an old Barn Owl talked to me around midnight every night. I guess he was bored for we literally hooted back and forth for 10 minutes. One winter I had wild turkey and deer in the yard. City noise and nights are entirely different than country on a cold fall night when there is nothing but stars and moon for light and you. BTW, there are all kinds of cabins in Eureka Springs. . . .

[Rubi3]

Only problem with Eureka Springs is the distance from Oklahoma City.

[linicx]

There is no easy way to get through a mountain. The most direct route is 412 out of Tulsa to 1-71 in Arkansas (between Fayetteville and Pea Ridge) and thence north a few short miles. I don't think this route is as far as 1-44 to the I-71 exchange, and then south to Pea Ridge, AR., but the good news is I-71 N passes the county road to War Eagle. It is an odd experience to drive quite close to the base of a mountain, which is it not the same as driving through on an interstate route. Beingthisclose to a mountain makes one realize just how truly insignificant humanity really is.

The backroads in the Boston Mountains are narrow, hairpin curves, on the edge of significant drip into tree tops, treacherous, and stunningly beautiful in the Spring when the Redbud are in full bloom. I drove up the mountains into F'ville one fall. I drove down in the Spring. Up and down are as different as a cat and a boat. But to drive from Pea Ridge to Hot Springs is to drive about 7 hours in three mountain ranges. I am not a mountain fan, but I do like Hot Springs.

This common border of mountains in OK and AR is just awesome. And you can say the same about Grove. Utica Square in Tulsa to Grove is about 130 miles, and 20 some from 1-44. The truth is there is a lot of driving between things one wants to do in Oklahoma. It's even more so with a chain of mountains to navigate. I think mid-May and mid-October are the prettiest times to visit. Not too hot or too cold.

[Rubi3]

I'm only referring to the OP's initial request for something 2-3 hrs from OKC.

[linicx]

Agreed. OP also wants romantic, hiking, walking dogs, and a cabin. Green Country offers those things. But it's is also 4 hours from OKC. There is a lot of space and time between the Missouri and Texas borders.

[Talisman09]

You might like Green leaf State Park South of Muskogee. 2 1/2 hours from OKC. Pretty little 930 acre lake in low mountain area with cabins, hiking trails, small marina with small boat rental. Beautiful area when the leaves start turning. Greenleaf State Park | TravelOK.com - Oklahoma's Official Travel & Tourism Site

[okie1962]

Originally Posted by Talisman09

You might like Green leaf State Park South of Muskogee. 2 1/2 hours from OKC. Pretty little 930 acre lake in low mountain area with cabins, hiking trails, small marina with small boat rental. Beautiful area when the leaves start turning. Greenleaf State Park | TravelOK.com - Oklahoma's Official Travel & Tourism Site

Green Leaf State park is a beautiful little park and its just a few miles up the highway from Lake Tenkiller, truly one of Oklahoma most beautiful lakes.

These picture are of Green Leaf State Park.

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[Boxman]

Thanks again for all the great suggestions. Some of those I'm going to file away for a future getaway during a more temperate time of the year.

Since we're doing this little trip in mid-November I'm thinking we'll go to the Lake Latonka\Wichita Wildlife Refuge area. It's only about 1.5hrs from OKC and they have lots of quaint little cabins in the area. The rocky scenery there is still great even without all the leaves on the trees. Mount Scott is always fun to hike around on, and we haven't seen the buffalo or the prairie dogs in years.

Do you think that's a good choice?

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by Boxman

Thanks again for all the great suggestions. Some of those I'm going to file away for a future getaway during a more temperate time of the year.

Since we're doing this little trip in mid-November I'm thinking we'll go to the Lake Latonka\Wichita Wildlife Refuge area. It's only about 1.5hrs from OKC and they have lots of quaint little cabins in the area. The rocky scenery there is still great even without all the leaves on the trees. Mount Scott is always fun to hike around on, and we haven't seen the buffalo or the prairie dogs in years.

Do you think that's a good choice?

Yes the most underrated area of the state of Oklahoma is the Lawton OK/Wichita Mountains Mount Scott Wildlife Refuge Area.