McCurtain County, Oklahoma : What to Do, Where to Go, and What to Eat.

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a guide to mccurtain county, oklahoma

From Broken Bow to Hochatown, this is your comprehensive guide.

A BLUE LAKE, A SWAMP, AND FAIRYTALE FORESTS. THIS SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA SPOT IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR AN ELOPEMENT OR A WEEKEND GETAWAY

In Southeast Oklahoma lies an expanse of blue water punctuated by mountains, wildlife reserves, wooded forests, and even a swamp. McCurtain County, Oklahoma is home to Broken Bow Lake, The Oachita National Forest and Mountains, and the swamps and wetlands of Little River.

I traveled to McCurtain County for a day-long trip to explore the area and bring you the best scenery, photoshoot locations, accommodations, and spots to eat. I began my trip in Beaver’s Bend State Park at Swim Beach—where Hwy 259A and Mountain Fork River intersect. This is a spectacular spot for swimming and lounging on the shore. Just across the swimming hole, kayakers, paddle- boarders, and canoers were out in droves. I would recommend this spot for portraits after a wedding ceremony (hello paddleboard or canoe portraits) or a fun guest activity in the days leading up to the nuptials. They have plenty of rentals, so no need to bring your own.

Back on the road, I came upon a sign for a turnout labeled “Overlook Road” north of the dam on Hwy 259. Do not miss this turnout. There are panoramic views of the blue lake and a cliff with a gravel road that is the ideal scenery for photos.

Overlook Road

Overlook Road

After the overlook, I took Beaver’s Bend Road to an area where the Mountain Fork River is punctuated by a steep cliffside. Here, swimmers were floating the river by inner tube and jumping off of the cliffs into the pools of deeper water.

Beaver’s Bend Road innertubing

Beaver’s Bend Road innertubing

Next, I headed to the Forest Heritage Center where I parked and started down the Beaver Creek Trail. About .8 miles in, I came across a creek in the forest that would be an ideal location for a private elopement or photos. Turn back at this point unless you would like to try your hand at a steeply inclined three-mile trail called Lookout Mountain: pro tip, there is no actual lookout, but you will leave with a solid cardio and leg workout.

Beaver Creek Trail

After the hike, I headed to the Lower Mountain Fork River to watch trout fishermen catch their dinner before heading off to the last stop on my trip.

For my last stop, I headed to the swampy wetlands of the Little River National Wildlife Refuge, where I saw countless bird species and luckily no alligators to speak of—they are native to this area. What you need to know about this area is that it is a wildlife refuge, so it would not be advisable to hold any sort of ceremony here or populate the area more than necessary. This is an excellent location for photos if you do not mind the insane amount of mosquitos and buzzing insects—think stagnant pond x10000. The drive is sure to get your vehicle dusty and muddy, which means your attire will also get dirty. However, the bugs and the dirt are minor inconveniences worth getting to the beauty of the bald cypress trees and the thousands of birds taking flight. As I said, this would be a spectacular opportunity for a few photos, but bug spray is definitely needed and cognizance that this is a wildlife refuge. Do not bring confetti, flower petals, or leave anything of that sort behind.

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Directions

In addition, this spot is incredibly difficult to find. You can hit up the visitor’s center in town for maps, but the complete instructions to get to the wetlands and swamps in Unit 2 of the Little River Wildlife Refuge is as follows: Two miles south of the city of Broken Bow on Hwy 70, you will need to be on the lookout for a nondescript tiny brown sign for “Little River” and a road called Craig Road. Turn East onto Craig Road and drive until you reach Pine Lake Road. Head right (south) on Pine Lake Road. Then, take a left on Bison Trail. When you get to the first fork in the road, head to the left first and park when you get to the gate if you would like to hike. Take a right if you would like to see the swamps and the infamous bald cypress trees. You will want to hit this area at sunset for the dreamiest golden hour photos you could imagine and a sunset on the road out. Keep scrolling for recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and what to do in McCurtain County.

Little River Wildlife Refuge

Little River Wildlife Refuge

Little River Wildlife Refuge

Little River Wildlife Refuge

Little River Wildlife Refuge

the road out of Little River Wildlife Refuge at sunset

BROKEN BOW LODGING, FOOD, & DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS

LODGING

For guest accommodations, check out the modern Off The Hook cabin which sleeps up to 21 people, California Dreaming which sleeps up to ten, or Scenic Mountain Lodge on Sardis Lake which sleeps up to eight. For more intimate cabins, try Arrow House, a modern A-Frame cabin or the Boho Bungalow.

FOOD AND DRINK

For food and drink, head to Rolling Fork, order the buffalo chicken tacos, and thank me later. They have catering options, and they would be my top pick for catering needs, not to mention, they have options for dietary restrictions. Craving a beer? Try Beaver’s Bend Brewery. Last, get a slice of pizza and a beer from a local brewery at Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Tap Room.

ACTIVITIES

For activities, try fishing, bird watching, paddle- boarding, horseback riding, ziplining, and boating. Just over three hours southeast of Tulsa by scenic drive, McCurtain County has you covered for the most breathtaking nature-filled nuptials, a relaxing weekend getaway.

Broken Bow lake at sunset

additional resources are available here: https://visitmccurtaincounty.com/

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