Find Your Backcountry Hideout at Robber's Cave State Park, Oklahoma
Nature and Old West history meet.
Oklahoma is made up of mostly flat plains, dotted with rolling hills and low mountains. The state has three mountainous areas: the low, granite Arbuckle and Wichita Mountains, and the sandstone peaks of the more famous Ouachita Mountains.
Nature and Old West history meet.
Catch some of the country's first flowers in Oklahoma's Ouachita Mountains. BY ERICA ZAZO
Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Cut through the towering pines of Holson Valley to the rocky shelf of Winding Stair Mountain on this 12.8-mile dayhike or overnight in the Ouachitas. Primitive camping allowed.
Explore a ragtag slice of Ouachita National Forest on this 7.6-mile route through a sylvan playground of foxes, deer, bears, and wild turkeys.
This 10-mile loop explores Jesse James's old hideout then links gurgling streams and quiet ponds in the rugged folds of the San Bois Mountains.
Hike or bike around the quiet shores of Watonga Lake, then into the brushy hills on this moderate 4.9-mile loop in Roman Nose State Park.
Wandering fom remote hollows to picturesque ridges on Winding Stair Mountain, this 13-mile loop in the less-traveled Ouachita country is a must-hike.
This 6.9-mile circuit in the Ouachita Mountains scopes craggy outcrops, climbs through secluded oak-and-pine hollows, and follows an Indian trail.
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area features a best-in-class overlook of the bustling city and the Arkansas River.
Start from a tilted sandstone cliff on a mostly forested and lesser-traveled 9.9-mile loop in Beech Creek National Scenic and Botanical Area.
This 6.6-miler goes high (scenic bluffs) and low to a horseshoe bend of Mountain Fork River (streamside fishing) in Beavers Bend Resort Park.
Zigzag the wooded contours of Winding Stair Mountain and explore lesser-traveled landscapes on this 7.9-mile section of the Ouachita Trail.
In 5.5 miles, you'll walk cliff edges, skirt two lakes, trace two creeks, and pass photo-worthy overlooks of the Wichita Mountains.
Take a historic high road for a challenging mountain loop.
One of Oklahoma's best weekend trips, this 21.7-mile loop circles Winding Stair Mountain for an up-close view of the Ouachita National Forest's most scenic stretch.
Dip into the 8,900-acre McGee Creek Natural Scenic Area for an easy out-and-back that peeks into Bugaboo Canyon and some of Oklahoma’s least-traveled territory.
First time backpackers in tow? Hit this easy 4.3-miler in Beech Creek National Scenic Area. It has prime campsites and a bail-out option mid-way.
Watch for bison, elk and other migratory species on this easy 3.7-mile lollipop loop through oak forests and grassland in southwest Oklahoma's Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge.
Hike to Oklahoma's secluded highpoint.
Welcome to this delightfully weird world of extremes.