Woman with arms raised through car sunroof on rural road.

Best Scenic Drives Near Eufaula Lake

Lake Eufaula in eastern Oklahoma isn’t just a haven for boaters and anglers; it also anchors a network of scenic drives that showcase its rolling shoreline, wooded hills, and distant horizons. These byways offer varied views of the beautiful Oklahoma scenery and are the perfect way to relax and unwind.


Whether you’re seeking a quick lakeside rollout or an all-day mountain-lake loop, the scenic trips near Eufaula Lake provide a refreshing mix of water vistas, forested hills, seasonal colors, and small-town charm, perfect for a relaxing, picture-perfect road trip.


Below are some of our favorite drives around Lake Eufaula.

Road winding along a cliffside next to a turquoise lake, flanked by tall trees, under a blue sky.

Lake Loop Drive

This scenic byway offers visitors the chance to take in beautiful vistas of the lake and provides the opportunity to stop at different parks and recreation areas along the way. From the vantage point of the drive, you can also see the whole 450-acre ATV Trail that’s set up below the dam. 


To get to this destination, start on Highway 9 just east of Eufaula. Travel through Longtown and go north on Highway 71. This will allow you to explore both the Brooken area and to experience the Eufaula Dam overlook.

Talimena Scenic Drive

This drive is part of a longer journey that starts near Lake Eufaula and passes through the Ouachita National Forest. The 54-mile route will take you past beautiful panoramic views of the landscape. 


Though this jaunt is beautiful year-round – summer with its lush greenery and winter if there’s snow – it’s especially lovely in the fall with the colorful foliage.

Highway 69 Drive

Take Highway 69 south from Checotah to McAlester to see stunning views of Lake Eufaula on both sides of the road. This drive showcases the true size of the lake and provides a beautiful glimpse of the surrounding landscape. 


This is a relatively easy tour with lovely glimpses of the lake the entire way. It’s an excellent drive for any time of the year.

Road leading to a vibrant sunset over a lake, framed by trees and colorful skies.

Mountain Gateway Scenic Drive

This scenic route takes you along US Highway 59/270. It runs between Heavener, OK and the Arkansas state line for 22 miles, offering beautiful views along the way. 


This drive is on a two-lane paved road that has sharp curves and some steep grades, providing you with some breathtaking scenery. The byway delivers lush woodlands and seasonal color, perfect for a three‑hour detour that blends lake and mountain vistas.

This scenic byway branches off from I-40 and parallels lovely coves and inlets as it traverses the heart of Lake Eufaula State Park. It features multiple places to pull off to enjoy the scenery or take pictures of the landscape.


The State Highway 150 route is the perfect drive for leisurely sightseeing and beautiful vistas.

State Highway 150

SUV trunk packed with luggage for travel.

You may be ready for your scenic trip, but you need to make sure your car is ready too. Check the following before you go:



  • Engine oil - if you haven’t had an oil change recently, you may want to get one before spending a lot of time on the road. At the very least, check your oil levels to make sure they’re adequate.
  • Tires - check the air pressure and wear patterns on your tires to make sure they’re up for the trip. This is especially important if you’ll be taking any unpaved roads on your scenic drive.
  • Air conditioner/heater - climate control is important when you’re going to be in the car for a while. Make sure your air conditioner is working in the warmer weather or that your heater is operating properly in the colder weather before you leave for your trip.
  • Emergency supplies - double-check your emergency supplies to ensure you have everything you may need on the road. Extra oil, road flares, and a portable tire pump are all good things to carry.

Prepare Before You Go

Since many of these scenic drives pass parks, overlooks, or other recreation areas, why not make a day of it by bringing along a picnic? Below are some things to include in your outing:


  • Food/snacks - if you’re not stopping for a picnic lunch, at least bring along some snacks in case you get hungry along the way.
  • Water/drinks - having extra water in your car is always a good idea in case of emergencies. You can pack other drinks as well to enjoy as you go.
  • Blanket - in case you stop for a picnic, you’ll have everything you need!
  • Phone charger - this is especially important if you’re using the GPS on your phone. Make sure you bring a charger with you to keep your battery full.

Make a Day of It

Stay with Eufaula Lake RV Park

Stay close to all the scenic byways at Eufaula Lake RV Park. We provide our guests with level sites and full water, sewer, and electrical hookups. We also offer amenities such as:



  • A dog park
  • A playground
  • Clean bathrooms
  • Laundry facilities
  • A volleyball court
  • A putting green


Whether you’re here overnight or for a longer stay, we look forward to having you. Book your reservation with Eufaula Lake RV Park today and enjoy the local scenery!