Fall in Hochatown: Come for the Changing Leaves

Fall is one of the best times to be in Hochatown.

By October, the trees around Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park start to change, the weather cools down and the whole area feels a little quieter than it does in summer. The pines stay green, and the oaks, maples and sweetgums mixed in between them turn gold, orange and red.

You do not need much of a plan, either. A couple of days here can be as simple as a hike, a drive through the park, lunch in town and a night back at the cabin.

When Do the Leaves Change in Broken Bow?

You usually start seeing fall color in October, with the strongest color in late October and into early November.

The exact timing changes every year, so there is no perfect date to circle on the calendar. But if you are coming in the second half of October, you generally have a good shot at seeing plenty of color. Early November can still be beautiful, especially along the river.

Good to know: Fall weekends fill up fast in Hochatown. If you have your heart set on a specific weekend, book your cabin early and plan the rest around it.

Spend Some Time in Beavers Bend

Beavers Bend is the obvious place to go for fall foliage in Broken Bow.

The trails are cooler, the Mountain Fork River looks great against the changing trees and even a simple drive through the park is worth doing this time of year.

There are dozens of great fall activities in our Local Guide. You can hike if you want to make a day of it, but you do not have to. There are plenty of places to pull over, walk around and enjoy the scenery without turning the day into an expedition. A few easy ways to see the color:

• Friends Trail Loop: A popular 1.5-mile loop with river views. Easy enough for most families.
• Lookout Mountain Loop: A moderate 1.9-mile climb through pine and hardwood forest to a ridge with valley views.
• Beavers Bend Depot: The replica train ride winds through the park and is an easy pick if you have kids or grandparents along.
• A stroll along the river: No trail map needed. Park, walk the riverbank and take your time.

If you want something longer, the Skyline Trail is the park’s most challenging hike. Just know it is a full-day commitment.

Beau’s tip: A Beavers Bend State Park parking pass is required for vehicles stopping in the park. Grab one before you head out so you are not hunting for one at the trailhead.

Take a Drive Around Broken Bow Lake

A fall drive is another easy option.

Broken Bow Lake covers more than 14,000 acres, with about 180 miles of shoreline. The roads around the lake run through thick woods and rolling hills, so you get a lot of color without having to go very far. Early morning and late afternoon are especially good, both for the light and the lighter traffic.

Want to make an afternoon of it? Fish Tales Winery & Bistro sits right across from the park’s main entrance and makes a nice stop on the way back.

Then Head Back to the Cabin

Fall is also a good excuse to spend more time at the cabin.

Cooler evenings mean the deck, fire pit and hot tub get a lot more appealing. Make dinner, open a bottle of wine and call it a night.

There is something nice about a trip where you do not feel like you need to be doing something every hour.

If a hot tub under the trees is the main event for you, browse our Hot Tub Retreats. Coming as a couple? Our Romantic Getaways collection has cabins with fireplaces and secluded settings. Bringing the dog? Fall is perfect weather for them too. See our Dog-Friendly cabins.

A Good Time for a Short Getaway

Hochatown works especially well for a two- or three-night fall trip. It is about three hours from Dallas and Shreveport, and about three and a half hours from Tulsa, so you can leave Friday afternoon and still catch the sunset from the deck.

Here is an easy way to split it up:

Day One: Beavers Bend

• Hike a short trail in the morning, drive through the park and head back to the cabin for a slow evening by the fire pit.

Day Two: The Lake and Town

• Take a scenic drive around Broken Bow Lake, have lunch in Hochatown and spend the evening in the hot tub.

Day Three: Slow Morning

• Coffee on the deck, one last walk in the woods and an easy drive home.
• You still have plenty of time to relax, and that is kind of the point.

Reserve Now

If you have been thinking about coming to Broken Bow this fall, late October and early November are hard to beat.

Every Utmost Host cabin is hand-selected and held to the same five-star standard, and you always get the best rate when you book direct. Browse The Utmost Host cabins and start planning your stay.