Scratchout Road

Trail Overview

In the hills west of Lake Tenkiller, the route rattles across loose gravel that turns briefly washboard before smoothing as it slips past hayfields and the pickups of local farmers. Groves of post oak, blackjack oak, and mockernut hickory press close to the hood, their canopy broken here and there by slender shortleaf pines that hint at the Ozark foothills. The drive is easy but lively, and it ends without frills: there are no campsites, bins, or water taps, and cell bars come and go, so checking coverage on your onX map beforehand is smart.

Photos of Scratchout Road

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Difficulty

The trail is well-maintained and routinely graded to support a range of local use, from daily agricultural traffic by farmers to occasional travelers and outdoor enthusiasts passing through the area. Its good condition makes it easily accessible and reliable for all types of vehicles.

History

The Oklahoma Adventure Trail unfolds as a patchwork of county lanes, forest roads, and forgotten byways that knit together the state's eastern hills and river bottoms into a single, meandering drive. Much of the route drifts across loose-gravel farm tracks where washboard sections, shallow potholes, and the odd stretch of corrugations keep the steering wheel busy. In pasture country, the trail often threads between tidy homesteads and hayfields, so pickups, tractors, wandering livestock, and even the occasional basketball game at a roadside hoop are part of the scenery. Water is a recurring companion, whether a broad, submerged bridge that leads into a rough ascent, or the shaded creek crossings where turtles and snakes warm themselves on the verge, and spring storms can turn those crossings into obstacles in a matter of hours.

Technical Rating

Scratchout Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV