Hi there!

 

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area has been an outdoor destination for over 120 years. As Oklahoma’s oldest national park area, I thought it would be a great time to reintroduce this park for those who might not be familiar with it.

Today, we will unpack all of those activities that keep Oklahomans and its neighbors entertained year-in-and-year-out.

Located in South-Central Oklahoma, this park offers year-round activities such as boating, skiing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping.

 

Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article!

 

 

For more information on the park, please visit The Chickasaw National Recreation Area

 

 

The History of the Park

 

 

 

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area had its early beginnings dating all the way back to 1902. The federal government purchased the 640 acres of land from the Chickasaw Nation to protect mineral and freshwater springs.

As a matter of fact, in 1906, additional acreage was essentially added and was given the name it proudly wore for the next 70 years known as Platt National Park.

Named after Orville H. Platt, Orville was a senator from Connecticut that served many years as a member of the Committee on Indian Affairs.

For the first 25 years of existence, Platt National Park attracted little public attention and very few visitors from outside the region had never heard of Platt National Park.

The reason being is, the park was the smallest of the national parks, and it was lacking in physical and cultural attributes that could pass the National Park test.

It also suffered for lack of funding and was needing physical improvements. The park had a couple of things going against it, a small staff and a meager budget.

Between 1933-1940, the Civilian Conservation Corps invested a lot of time, labor, and resources to give this park the status it deserved.

That doesn’t mean the Park wasn’t popular. As a matter of fact, in 1949 the park’s annual attendance peaked around one million people.

Platt National Park enjoyed lots of success through the next quarter century and it combined forces with the Arbuckle Recreation Area to make up what is called the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

 

Little Niagra Falls

 

 

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area has several pockets of oasis entertainment within the park.

One of those key places is Little Niagra Falls.

Located in the Northeastern portion of the Platt National Park historic district awaits the famous Travertine Creek and Little Niagra Falls.

This area contains numerous stone outcroppings, travertine formations and natural stunning waterfalls.

As far as swimming holes are concerned, this is one of my go-to spots when the weather starts to warm up. This place gets packed often during the summer months. I highly recommend going either early in the morning or late afternoon.

What I love about this place is also the hiking. The area has about four hiking trails that will lead you to natural spring-fed swimming holes.

One of my favorite trails is the Travertine Creek Trail. This trail is a very easy hike that is under 3 miles roundtrip. It will take you along Travertine Creek and the Little Niagra Falls swimming hole.

 

Bromide Hill

 

 

If you have kids and want to take in some views, then this is the place.

Bromide hill has conveniently paved trails with a rustic stonework design that any true craftsman would appreciate.

The hike itself is relatively easy and it’s also dog-friendly too. Just make sure your best friend is on a leash. The overlook is remarkable as you will get to see a glimpse of stunning scenery in Southern Oklahoma.

As far as favorite views in Oklahoma are concerned, Bromide Hill ranks near the top for stunning scenery and views.

 

Turner Falls

 

 

As Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall, Turner Falls is a behemoth 77-foot waterfall that drops into a natural swimming pool.

Pretty cool if you ask me!

Located in the Arbuckle Mountains, Turner falls has been described as one of the 3 geological windows into the planet’s past, along with the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The Arbuckle Mountains are actually some of the earth’s oldest mountains. Inside Turner Falls Park, you will get natural caves, outstanding hiking trails, a stone castle, and this huge waterfall.

For those who want to be super-adventurous, I highly recommend checking out 777 Zip. This is a zipline that will take you from the top of the mountains and reward you with stunning views while keeping your adrenaline going. For more information, please check out 777 Zip

 

Don’t Forget Your Mountain Fried Pie

 

 

 

Whether you’re making this trip for the weekend, or just a single daytrip, I highly recommend stopping by Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies.

Name your favorite kind of pie and I’m sure they will have what you’re looking for.

Here is the list of delicious pies you can choose from:

• Blackberry
• Blueberry
• Peach
• Apple
• Apricot
• Cherry
• Pumpkin (seasonal of course)
• Breakfast

 

After a long day of hiking and swimming and spring-fed swimming holes, I like to reward myself with a fried pie to cap off my day.

 

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that wraps things up for today. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area boasts some stunning scenery and activities that simply cannot be ignored. It’s without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite places here in the Sooner State. Please share your experiences in the comment section below.

 

 

 

-CT