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The mountains in Southwestern Oklahoma mirror the changing cultural landscape as well as the
state's physical geography. The Arbuckles, a beautiful small range with waterfalls and natural
swimming holes, was the meeting place of Chickasaw, Wichita, Kiowa, and Comanche Indians.
White and black settlers enjoyed the waters and scenery, too.
The Arbuckles are geological wonders as the exposed rock provides a perfect outdoor
laboratory for rock hounds. The Wichita range is a little strange looking; they seem to rise from
the prairie out of nowhere. They are the highest hills within the Red River Mountain Tour, rising
as high as 2,200 and more feet.
The Wichita range hugs Fort Sill Military Reservation, and its hills figure prominently in the
history of the Native Americans in the area. Quanah Parker's ranch is located just south of the
Wichita, and the Apache Tribe lives within the mountains. The range extends west over Altus.
Within these ranges you'll discover the vegetation boundaries that make this area unique - the
Chickasaw National Recreation Area preserves the landscape that changes from the fertile,
timbered meadows and hills of the east, to the arid and scrubby plains of the west.
state's physical geography. The Arbuckles, a beautiful small range with waterfalls and natural
swimming holes, was the meeting place of Chickasaw, Wichita, Kiowa, and Comanche Indians.
White and black settlers enjoyed the waters and scenery, too.
The Arbuckles are geological wonders as the exposed rock provides a perfect outdoor
laboratory for rock hounds. The Wichita range is a little strange looking; they seem to rise from
the prairie out of nowhere. They are the highest hills within the Red River Mountain Tour, rising
as high as 2,200 and more feet.
The Wichita range hugs Fort Sill Military Reservation, and its hills figure prominently in the
history of the Native Americans in the area. Quanah Parker's ranch is located just south of the
Wichita, and the Apache Tribe lives within the mountains. The range extends west over Altus.
Within these ranges you'll discover the vegetation boundaries that make this area unique - the
Chickasaw National Recreation Area preserves the landscape that changes from the fertile,
timbered meadows and hills of the east, to the arid and scrubby plains of the west.
| Follow Me on the Mountains of Red River Valley Tour! Southeastern Oklahoma - Little Dixie Southwestern Oklahoma - Meeting the Plains Northwestern Texas - North Texas Hill Country |
| Turner Falls in the Arbuckle Mountains lies off US 77. The bottom of the falls contains a natural and deep swimming hole. |
| The Chickasaw National Recreation Area contains beautiful and intimate scenery. |
Things to See and Do in Southwestern Oklahoma!
Turner Falls City Park
The falls are owned and maintained by the city of Davis. They allow camping, and have some cool Tipis to
spend the night in. Off of US 77 northwest of Ardmore, southwest of Davis.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
This national park might not be as spectacular as most, but it has quiet, contemplative beauty. Easy hiking
paths surrounding a ghost town, and very smelly sulphur springs, makes this park a fun family outing.
Located at Sulphur on OK 7.
Fort Sill Military Reservation
Fort Sill has a LOT of history contained within its compounds. You can view the graves of Quanah Parker,
Cynthia Anne Parker, Satanta, Satank, and Geronimo, and enjoy the hills as well. North of Lawton on US
277/281/62 and Interstate 44.
Great Plains State Park
The name fools you - you think you'd see only flat land, but the Wichita Mountains make this park very
curvy. North of Frederick on US 183.
Turner Falls City Park
The falls are owned and maintained by the city of Davis. They allow camping, and have some cool Tipis to
spend the night in. Off of US 77 northwest of Ardmore, southwest of Davis.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
This national park might not be as spectacular as most, but it has quiet, contemplative beauty. Easy hiking
paths surrounding a ghost town, and very smelly sulphur springs, makes this park a fun family outing.
Located at Sulphur on OK 7.
Fort Sill Military Reservation
Fort Sill has a LOT of history contained within its compounds. You can view the graves of Quanah Parker,
Cynthia Anne Parker, Satanta, Satank, and Geronimo, and enjoy the hills as well. North of Lawton on US
277/281/62 and Interstate 44.
Great Plains State Park
The name fools you - you think you'd see only flat land, but the Wichita Mountains make this park very
curvy. North of Frederick on US 183.
| The Wichita Mountains rise like large prairie dog mounds out of the plains. The contrasts of colors - the red earth, the brown hills, and the blue sky - make the Wichita an interesting photo study. |
| Southwestern Oklahoma - Meeting The Plains |
