Six spots to take in nature’s beauty.
As the world around us begins to turn green again, it reignites our love for the sweeping natural beauty only Oklahoma can provide. It’s that time of year when our newly returned appreciation for the great outdoors takes us to lakes and state parks and inspires summer getaways that are right around the corner. Here are some of the Adventure Road-approved locations that have incredible vantage points of Oklahoma’s beauty.
Lake Texoma State Park
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Whether traveling on land or on water, you’ll find a plethora of sweeping views, native wildlife and outdoor recreation at Texomaland. An hour’s jaunt from Dallas/Fort Worth, Lake Texoma State Park welcomes approximately 6 million visitors a year who come to marvel at the nation’s largest reservoirs. We highly suggest spending an hour or two with a boat rental to explore each marina’s unique view.
Arbuckle Mountains
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The rolling hills of southern Oklahoma are filled with lush foliage, natural springs, incredible rock formations, grasslands and wildlife, with evidence of the area’s rich Chickasaw heritage. Likely its most famous landmark, Turner Falls creates a picturesque landscape that’s most beautiful seen from the tower viewer atop 777 Zip. From there you can map out the rest of your Arbuckle Mountain adventure. Be sure to make the trek up Rock Castle!
Blue River
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If you’ve never taken the gravel Cheadle Road past Old Silo Winery to the Blue River, consider adding it to your summer itinerary! It will lead you on winding roads surrounded by trees along one of Oklahoma’s last naturally flowing streams. Popular among fly fishers, the Blue River has campsites perfectly nestled into the shoreline and areas perfect for wading, jumping rocks or taking a dip on a hot day.
Lake Murray
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You have over 5,728 acres of lake and 1,000 acres of hiking trails and outdoor spaces to explore at the oldest and largest state park in Oklahoma. Home to lodges and cabins and family recreation, Lake Murray State Park welcomes travelers looking for camping, fishing, swimming, boating, sailing, hiking, tennis, golf and trail riding. Tucker Tower prominently beckons visitors to the Lake Murray Nature Center for a unique view from up above.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
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Once inside the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, you forget you’re just minutes from downtown Sulphur. Many come to splash around Little Niagara on a hot day, but its hiking trails, freshwater springs and nearby lakes can be appreciated any time of year. Our favorite time to visit is early morning as the park begins to come alive. And you may have a chance to visit the nearby bison. Finding Buffalo Springs should also be a priority!
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge
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As a safe haven for a variety of native Oklahoma species of wildlife, the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge is definitively a place of natural scenery. This unencumbered habitat welcomes you to enjoy peace and quiet as you appreciate its nearly 300 different bird species, deer sightings and vast areas of land and water.
With summer hot on our heels, these places will only grow more beautiful. What locations are on your list for picture-perfect natural scenery?
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Which of these locations have you visited?