In My Nature

I don’t consider myself an outdoorsy person, but the forest is my reset. Unfortunately, I don’t have one nearby, but I always feel better when I get outside, even if it’s just to walk around my neighborhood. Although my ideal outdoor settings don’t include neighborhoods, just trees and trails and maybe a lake or an ocean, it’ll do in a pinch.

Fortunately, Oklahoma has a lot of places to escape the noise of city living. As a Tourism employee, I have visited most of our of state parks. It’s really a little surprising I haven’t been to all of them at this point. I’m partial to the forest, so Greenleaf and Sequoyah State Parks, both in northeastern Oklahoma, are high on my bucket list. In this time of continued physical distancing, it seems like a good year to check them off. In the meantime, here are eight of my favorite Oklahoma state parks thus far. For more information on these and more, visit TravelOK.com/state-parks.

Beavers Bend State Park

Beavers Bend State Park. Photo by Megan Rossman

If you like to be deep in the woods but within a short drive to civilized conveniences, then Beavers Bend is the place for you (and me). Located near Broken Bow in the Hochatown community, this is a park where you could easily spend a long weekend without leaving its boundaries, but you should because there’s plenty of good eating. Grateful Head Pizza is my go-to restaurant for some of the state’s best pizza and a healthy selection of beer. Other places I make sure to visit are Blue Rooster for fried chicken and seafood, Rolling Fork Takery for gourmet comfort foods and desserts (check out the s’mores glamping tray), and Abendigo’s for steaks and fancy shrimp and grits. When you’re not busy feeding, you can take advantage of the natural beauty that envelops you. Lake Broken Bow is one of Oklahoma’s clearest lakes, which makes for a refreshing break from spring and summer humidity. Other things you can do at the park include ziplining, fishing, kayaking and canoeing, or hiking any number of pristine, pine-shaded trails. You can even roll along on a ranger-guided Segway tour on some of the trails. There’s no shortage of luxury lodging outside the park, but for a reasonable price you can stay in the park’s cabins—some perched among the Cypress-lined groves along the Lower Mountain Fork River—or the Lakeview Lodge, where all rooms face the lake for incredible sunrise views. Plus, there’s a herd of deer that hangs out at the lodge from dusk until at least dawn, munching on dried corn and other goodies guests share from their balconies. It’s magical little details like that that make this perhaps my favorite park to visit. Located 5 miles north of Wilburton on State Highway 2. Beavers Bend State Park is located 8 miles north of Broken Bow on State Highway 259, then 4 miles east on State Highway 259A. (580) 494-6300 or (580) 494-6538.

Robbers Cave State Park

Megan enjoys the scenery at Robbers Cave State Park. Photo by Lori Duckworth

Located just north of Wilburton, about forty-five minutes from McAlester, Robbers Cave State Park is another beautiful spot in the woods to spend a few days. It’s a walkable park, easy to get from one place to another without having to jump in the car. The rugged hiking trails around the namesake cave—reputed to be a former hideout for criminals of yesteryear like Belle Starr and Jesse James—wind up through boulders and forest to reveal expansive views of the San Bois Mountains. Sitting up there on the cliff edge inhaling the spicy smell of cedars and pines and looking out over the canopy of trees is good for the soul. Down below, there are several lakes for a canoe ride or a swim. With the lodge, cabins, camping and RV sites, and a yurt, there are plenty of places to lay your head. The park even offers equestrian campsites and trails for guests and their trusty steeds. Located 5 miles north of Wilburton on State HIghway 2. (918) 465-2562 or (918) 465-1162.

Gloss Mountain State Park

Gloss Mountain State Park. Photo by Megan Rossman

As you drive along State Highway 412, about an hour west of Enid, the expansive farmland gives way to sky-sweeping eruptions of rust-colored mesas throughout the fields. Gloss Mountain State Park is a small property situated among them. You can’t camp or climb here, but there’s a restroom and a few spots for a picnic. The main draw is the view from the top of Cathedral Mountain. It’s a ten or fifteen-minute walk from the parking lot to the top, which doesn’t break much of a sweat, depending on the time of year. Chances are, you will be alone here at this remote spot, or maybe in the company of two or three other visitors. The most notable guests are the huge black vultures always circling overhead and resting on the cliffs. I’ve tried to sneak up on them because I’m an adult who does things like that, but they will not be fooled. Also, as a Tourism employee, I must note that visitors are asked not to take the selenite crystals embedded in the mesas that give this park its name. Also, watch out for rattlesnakes. Gloss Mountain State Park is 5.5 miles west of Orienta on State Highway 412. (580) 227-2512.

Quartz Mountain State Park

Quartz Mountain State Park. Photo by Shane Bevel

I was delighted when Quartz Mountain was brought back into the state park fold last year. Although it’s been several years since I was last there, I remember my walks around the mountains and along Lake Altus-Lugert vividly. Surrounded by relatively flat farmlands, the rocky hills and water in the Quartz Mountain area make it a bit of an unexpected oasis. Despite being a half-hour north of Altus, it feels even more remote than that. Traffic and city sounds don’t exist here. It’s a meditation for your ears and nerves. The stars are surreal, the sunrises over the lake are glorious, and there are tiny bugs that look like flower blossoms that hop through the grass beside the trails. What are they? I don’t know, but they’re amazing. The lodge and many park buildings are closed for extensive renovations, but staff says they plan to reopen Memorial Day weekend. Improvements will include a Foggy Bottom Restaurant at the resort, so guests can enjoy comfort foods and drinks on the large outdoor patio. Take State Highway 9 west to Lone Wolf, then go south on State Highway 44. Follow to the Quartz Mountain Nature Park entrance. (580) 563-2238.

Natural Falls State Park

Natural Falls State Park. Photo by Lori Duckworth

Natural Falls State Park in Colcord is one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma to see fall foliage, but it’s easy on the eyes any time of year. The seventy-seven foot waterfall is the centerpiece, of course, but the trails throughout the forest around it are gorgeous on their own. I saw river otters playing in a stream here, and it was the highlight of my month. Few things are cuter than otters. There are no cabins, but there’s plenty of tent and RV camping. Whether you want to spend an hour here or a day, it’s a picturesque stop-off for any schedule. Located 6 miles west of Siloam Springs, AR on Hwy 412 and 1/8 mile south of Hwy 412. (918) 422-5802.

Lake Murray State Park

View from the floating cabins at Lake Murray State Park. Photo by Megan Rossman

I had never been to Oklahoma’s original state park until last summer, and it turned out to be well worth the 1.5-hour drive from Oklahoma City to Ardmore. It’s a big park, so be prepared. And there is so much to do. There’s a pool and water park near the lodge and restaurant, plus miles of trails for hikers, horse riders, and ATV enthusiasts. You can rent boats and other watercrafts to cruise the water and take in views of the iconic Tucker Tower, which was originally built by the WPA in the 1930s to be a castle-like retreat for the state’s governors. Today, you probably won’t find frolicking politicians there, but you can check out the park’s nature center before you ascend the winding, narrow stairs of the tower for a panoramic look at Lake Murray’s aquamarine splendor. The park holds all your requisite overnight options, including the Lake Murray Floating Cabins. Located within the park near the lodge, but privately owned and operated, these dwellings actually float on the water, so you can go from the sofa to the water in just a few steps. That is the life. The park entrance located 3 miles east of I-35 at Exit 24 or Exit 29. Park office: 13528 Scenic SH-77. Lodge entrance at Exit 24; located at 3323 Lodge Road. (580) 223-4044.

Alabaster Caverns State Park

Megan surveys the wilderness at Alabaster Caverns State Park. Photo by Lori Duckworth

Since I saw the horror film The Descent, I view caves with apprehension. However, I like to believe there are no carnivorous, subterranean goblin types lurking at Alabaster Cavern State Park. This is billed as the largest natural gypsum cave in the world, and visitors can wander through it on guided tours every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Although it’s fairly well-lit, it is a little dim in many places. It is a cave, after all. So keep that in mind if you’re traveling with anyone with vision problems. It’s also pretty slippery in spots. I have never walked though it without falling at some point, but I’m typically the only person on the tour who does. I recommend shoes with good traction if you’re clumsy and delicate. If you aren’t haunted by images of goblins rising from crevices, you can even camp overnight in a smaller cave at the park. Located 6 miles south of Freedom on Hwy 50, 1/2 mile east on Hwy 50A, or 20 miles north of Mooreland on Hwy 50. (580) 621-3381.

Talimena State Park

Talimena State Park. Photo by Kim Baker

If you like camping, then this is a great southeastern Oklahoma destination. I do not like camping because I require electricity and plumbing, but even I can appreciate the appeal of pitching a tent among the timbers of the Ouachita National Forest. In fact, the head of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail is located on the edge of the park, which takes hikers on a rugged path that extends more than 200 miles, all the way to Perryville, Arkansas. This also is the heart of Bigfoot country, and they take it seriously down here. So, keep an eye out for the big guy while you bask in nature. The park also marks the entrance point to the Talimena Scenic Byway, which certainly is one of the most epic drives in the state. Located 20 miles south of Wister and 6 miles north of Talihina on State Highway 271 one mile south of the entrance to the Talimena Scenic Drive. (918) 567-2052 or (918) 655-7212.

Written By

Megan Rossman

Megan Rossman is Oklahoma Today's photography editor.