Situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway is a showcase of eastern Oklahoma’s tremendous diversity. From breathtaking natural beauty to a rich cultural and historical background, the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway is sure to capture the imagination of visitors.
The southern route entrance and exit starts by navigating along the shores of Lake Tenkiller, a clear lake that is a favorite of scuba divers, boating enthusiasts and anglers. Further down the byway, visitors are greeted by stunning views of the Cookson Hills and the lush forests of the lower Ozark Mountain range. Seasonal changes offer a unique and diverse array of views.
Situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway is a showcase of eastern Oklahoma’s tremendous diversity. From breathtaking natural beauty to a rich cultural and historical background, the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway is sure to capture the imagination of visitors.
The southern route entrance and exit starts by navigating along the shores of Lake Tenkiller, a clear lake that is a favorite of scuba divers, boating enthusiasts and anglers. Further down the byway, visitors are greeted by stunning views of the Cookson Hills and the lush forests of the lower Ozark Mountain range. Seasonal changes offer a unique and diverse array of views.
Travelers will also enjoy the story and history of Tahlequah, the Cherokee Nation Capitol. Beyond Tahlequah, the northern part of the route parallels the clear waters of the scenic Illinois River. The Illinois is a prime destination for canoeing, rafting or kayaking. Sheer cliff faces and unique vistas emerge with every bend in the road. Those traveling the northern route will be enchanted by Natural Falls State Park, which boasts the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma.
Route Details:
The Cherokee Hills Byway is defined as beginning at Hwy 10 N (Carlisle Road) on the north side of I-40 in Sequoyah County. The byway proceeds north along Hwy 10 to the junction of Hwys 10/64 and then proceeds northwest to the town of Gore. The route continues northeast along Hwy 100 until it reaches the junction of Hwys 100/ 10A. At this junction, the route heads east on Hwy 100 to the junction of Hwy 82 into Cherokee County.
From there, the route continues north along Hwys 82/100 for 20 miles, passing through Cookson and Keys, to the junction of Hwys 62/10. The byway enters the city of Tahlequah, where Hwy 62 becomes Muskogee Ave. The byway travels Muskogee Avenue north to Downing St.From there, the byway follows Downing St. east to the Hwys 51/10/82 interchange, where it proceeds east and then north along Hwy 10 for approximately 20 miles to the Adair County line.
The byway continues northeast along Hwy 10 through Adair County for 2.5 miles to the Delaware County line. At the Delaware County line, the byway follows Hwy 10 north approximately four miles to the intersection of Hwy 412. At this intersection, the byway turns back east and follows Hwy 59/412 Alternate approximately 12.5 miles, ending at the Oklahoma/Arkansas State line in West Siloam Springs. The length of the byway is 84 miles long.
Cherokee County Genealogy Resources
