The Ultimate Road Trip: Travel Time from Catoosa to Tahlequah
Looking for a fascinating road trip that takes you to the heart of Oklahoma? Then consider the drive from Catoosa to Tahlequah! This scenic route takes you through some of the best landscapes and sights of the region. In this article, we'll take a look at different routes and their driving times that you can take on this adventure.
Route 1: US-412 E and OK-82 S (54.6 miles)
This route takes you through some of the most beautiful scenic highways of Oklahoma. From Catoosa, take US-412 E, and drive for about 23 miles until you get to Locust Grove. From there, continue on OK-82 S for another 31.6 miles until you reach Tahlequah. Along the way, you'll cross the unspoiled landscapes of the Ozark Plateau, dotted with rolling hills and the verdant forest.
The driving time for this route is approximately one hour, but feel free to take as many stops as you like! We recommend taking a detour to Lake Fort Gibson, just outside of Wagoner. This quiet and serene lake is perfect to stretch your legs while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Route 2: I-44 E and OK-82 N (67.7 miles)
This route is a little longer than the first but offers an excellent and smooth driving experience. From Catoosa, take I-44 E, and drive for about 28 miles until you reach Adair. From there, continue on OK-28 E for another 18 miles until you get to Salina. At Salina, make a right turn to join OK-82 N, and drive for another 21.3 miles until you get to Tahlequah.
The driving time for this route is approximately one hour and a half, but you get to experience the unique towns of Adair and Salina. Adair is a small and lovely town that's worth stopping. The town is famous for its annual fall festival, which includes a parade, car show, arts, and crafts fair. Salina, on the other hand, is known for its salt mines, which have been producing salt since the early 1900s. We recommend visiting the Cherokee Nation Fish Hatchery and Nature Center, which boasts an array of wildlife species and an observation deck.
Route 3: OK-66 E and US-412 E (64 miles)
This route is slightly shorter than route 2, but it's filled with some of the most iconic landmarks in Oklahoma. From Catoosa, take OK-66 E, and drive for about 20 miles until you get to Claremore. There, you can make a stop at the famous Will Rogers Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts and memorabilia from the life of the legendary cowboy and comedian. From Claremore, continue on US-412 E for another 38 miles until you reach Tahlequah.
The driving time for this route is approximately one hour and a half, but you get to marvel at some of the most scenic landmarks in Oklahoma. Along the highway, keep a lookout for the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa, a 70-year-old roadside attraction that has become a symbol of Route 66. We recommend stopping at Cherokee Landing State Park, a serene state park along the banks of Lake Tenkiller. The park allows visitors to boat, fish, swim, or picnic in the shade of the towering oak trees.
##Conclusion
With such exciting routes, we hope we’ve made your choice for the drive from Catoosa to Tahlequah a little easier. So, packed your bags, crank up your playlist, and hit the road! Whether you choose the scenic Route 1, the smooth Route 2, or the iconic Route 3, you’re sure to have an unforgettable journey filled with memories that last a lifetime.