The Happiness Function

Oklahoma is probably not the first state that comes to mind when thinking about mountains, but believe it or not, there are several mountain ranges.

If you’re reading this article, you’ve likely seen incredible photos of mountains in Oklahoma and are now wondering how you can visit them, too.

I live in Oklahoma, and I’m sharing where you can see beautiful places with impressive geology, hike, camp, see sights, and more. Get ready to be surprised by the state I call home.

Oklahoma Mountains: Impressive Ranges + Where to Visit Them

Northeast Oklahoma near Grand Lake.

Oklahoma is known for its prairies, but it also has mountains that offer awesome outdoor adventures. When we moved to Oklahoma in 2016, we had no idea the treat we were in for when it came to exploring outside.

There are four primary mountain ranges: the Arbuckle Mountains, the Wichita Mountains, the Ozark Mountains, and the Ouachita Mountains. Believe it or not, the state boasts hundreds of named mountain peaks.

These mountainous areas include fantastic state parks, too.

The Arbuckle Mountains

Image Credit: crotonoil/Depositphotos.com.

The Arbuckle Mountains are located in south-central Oklahoma and are a haven for water enthusiasts. The Arbuckles are said to be one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth.

The best places to experience them are Turner Falls Park, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and Lake of the Arbuckles.

Turner Falls Park

Image Credit: iStock.com/JustinBlackStock.

Near Davis, Oklahoma, Turner Falls Park is home to a 77’ waterfall. You’ll love adding a visit during the summer to your Oklahoma bucket list because visitors can swim in the crystal-clear pools below the waterfall.

In addition, there is hiking to enjoy, caves to explore, and areas to camp or stay in cabins.

Heads up, though, the park is not pet-friendly, so you have to leave the dog(s) at home.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Image Credit: raksyBH/Depositphotos.com.

In Sulfur, Oklahoma, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a special place known for its healing springs. Travertine Creek runs through the park, and there are many places to swim, see waterfalls, and enjoy the springs.

Visitors come from all over to see the resident buffalo herd. There are also miles of hiking trails and camping opportunities.

If you’re into Bigfoot, like me, there have been multiple sightings in and around the park. 

Lake of the Arbuckles

Image Credit: Eladstudio/Depositphotos.com.

Bordering parts of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Lake of the Arbuckles is an excellent place to camp, fish, boat, kayak, and enjoy the mountains in south-central Oklahoma.

It’s not far from OKC or Tulsa and is a nice place to relax on the water during your days off.

The Wichita Mountains

One of our personal favorite ranges, the Wichita Mountains are located in southwestern Oklahoma.

Known for their rugged and rocky granite peaks, the best places to explore are within the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge and Quartz Mountain State Park.

Other iconic peaks in this range include Mount Scott, King Mountain, Soldiers Peak, and Mount Sheridan.

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

Pablo and Bear overlooking the water in the Charons Garden Wilderness Area.

If you’re looking for rural adventure, visit the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. With over 59,000 acres of pristine land to explore, it’s a great place to go camping for the weekend.

From hiking trails to wildlife viewing and camping, you’ll have a great adventure at the refuge. The highest peaks are Mount Scott and Mount Pinchot. Adventure seekers can drive to the top of Mount Scott, too. There is also fantastic backcountry hiking in Charon’s Garden.

Keep your eyes peeled for free-ranging buffalo and Texas longhorn cattle while visiting and exploring.

Quartz Mountain State Park + Baldy Point

Top of Baldy Point in Quartz Mountain State Park.

With some of the best views in the state, it’s easy to see why Quartz Mountain State Park is a hidden gem. Hiking and camping are popular activities here, but there’s also an opportunity for fishing and sightseeing.

Visitors can hike to Baldy Point, the highest peak in the park. Quartz Mountain State Park is also popular for rock climbing due to its unique rocky terrain.

There is a nice lodge to stay at if camping isn’t your thing. 

The Ozark Mountains

Ashlee and Pablo hiking in the Ozarks.

The Ozark Mountains, or the Ozark Plateau, span the northeastern part of Oklahoma and extend into Arkansas, Missouri, and parts of Kansas and Illinois.

They are known for their lush forests, waterfalls, lakes, springs, and caves and are the most extensive mountain range between the Rockies and the Appalachians. They are one of my favorite mountain ranges in America.

The Ozarks are divided into smaller ranges. In Oklahoma, this includes the Boston Mountains and Springfield Plateau, both of which are in northeast Oklahoma.

Greenleaf State Park

Greenleaf Lake at sunset.

Near Braggs, Oklahoma, Greenleaf State Park is a great place to get outdoors on a weekend getaway to enjoy the Boston Mountains and the Ozark Plateau.

Greenleaf State Park has the longest backpacking trail in Oklahoma. One summer, we hiked part of it to the iconic swinging bridge. Be sure to download trail maps for offline use, as there is limited cell phone reception in the area.

The park is a great place, close to Tulsa, to spend a weekend hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident elk — we were surprised when we saw her.

Natural Falls State Park

Image Credit: pathorton/Depositphotos.com.

Known for its 77’ waterfall, Natural Falls State Park is an excellent place to stop on a road trip along Highway 412, especially if you’re on a road trip to Arkansas.

The park is near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. Visitors can take a short hike to the park’s famous waterfall. If you’d like to stay longer, there is also a campground. We’ve heard great things about the campground from friends.

Lake Tenkiller

Ashlee standing on the bluffs at Lake Tenkiller.

Known for being one of the clearest lakes in Oklahoma, Lake Tenkiller is the perfect place to spend the weekend boating, kayaking, or hiking around the lake.

The lake is nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks and is another one of our favorite spots to hang out on our days off. You can rent boats at the Burnt Cabin Marina.

Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees

Pablo standing near Little Blue.

Grand Lake is also nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks. The area is popular for escaping city life and getting out on the water.

There are many places to rent lake houses and a few places to camp, such as Spavinaw or Little Blue.

Green Country

Ashlee & Pablo hiking at Robbers Cave State Park.

If there’s another thing Oklahoma is known for, it’s the rolling green hills covered in beautiful trees hailed as “Green Country.” Green Country is bursting with natural beauty from Tulsa to the Ozark Mountains. Whenever people from out-of-state visit, they are always surprised by how lush Tulsa is.

Osage Hills State Park is a popular place to experience the rolling Osage Hills of Oklahoma.

The Ouachita Mountains

Image Credit: Farifo/Depositphotos.com.

When most people think of Oklahoma, the first thing that comes to mind is the vast, open plains (and tornados — lol). So, when I show them photos of the Ouachita Mountains, they are usually shocked.

The Ouachitas are nestled in the eastern part of the state, which offers an entirely different landscape. Popular activities in these mountains include hiking, camping, boating, and fishing.

Two of the best state parks to explore in the Ouachita’s are Robbers Cave State Park and Beavers Bend State Park.

Robbers Cave State Park

Ashlee & Pablo hiking at Robbers Cave.

Robbers Cave State Park is one of the most beautiful places to explore the Sans Bois Mountains, a smaller mountain range of the Ouachitas.

Robbers Cave is known for being an old hideout for Wild West outlaws. Today, visitors can hike to the cave, explore the trails, camp, or stay in a new lodge. You can also kayak on the lake.

It is so beautiful here; you won’t believe you’re in Oklahoma. 

Beavers Bend State Park

View of Broken Bow from the dam.

Known for being one of Oklahoma’s most popular state parks, Beavers Bend State Park is a great place to get out and explore the Ouachita Mountains and Broken Bow Lake.

Beavers Bend in McCurtain County is a short drive from Oklahoma City and Dallas, making it a great place to escape the city for fresh mountain air.

Along with boating, camping, hiking, and fishing, the Mountain Fork River is a popular place to kayak and makes for a fun weekend adventure. We love it down here and always look forward to getting out on the water — I think you will, too.

The Glass Mountains

Top of Gloss Mountain.

Though not actually mountains, the Glass Mountains of northwestern Oklahoma form buttes and mesas above the plains.

Called “Red Carpet Country,” the area is known for its famous red dirt. The best place to see the Glass Mountains is Gloss Mountain State Park, where visitors can hike to the top of one of the mesas.

We did the hike one summer in June — it gets really hot out there, so try to hike early in the day.

Black Mesa State Park

Image Credit: iStock.com/GracedByTheLight.

Located within the panhandle, Black Mesa is the highest mountain in Oklahoma. It tops out at an elevation of 4,973’ above sea level. You’ll be awed by the area’s rock formations, mesas, and canyons.

There are two notable areas to explore: Black Mesa State Park and Black Mesa Nature Preserve. This area is where the Rocky Mountains meet the prairie, making it a notable geologic hotspot.

Black Mesa Nature Preserve

Image Credit: John A Davis/Shutterstock.

The Black Mesa area in western Oklahoma’s panhandle was named after the black lava rock that coated the region 30 million years ago. The preserve is part of The Nature Conservancy but is operated by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, which also manages Black Mesa State Park.

The area is excellent for birdwatching and viewing the dark night sky. About 15 miles from the nature preserve, Black Mesa State Park offers camping.

If you are looking for a new adventure to check off your list, these Oklahoma mountains offer unique places to get outdoors. So, pack your hiking, camping, and photography gear and get ready to explore Oklahoma’s most stunning natural landmarks.

We told you Oklahoma would surprise you.

Where indicated, images courtesy of Depositphotos.com.