An Outdoors Guide to Oklahoma

Situated in a unique position between the Great Plains and the Ozark Plateau, Oklahoma boasts 11 distinct ecological regions. The plains in the west and the mountains in the east provide a stark difference that splits the state in half geographically. In this post, you'll see the highest point of Oklahoma in its western panhandle, a 223-mile trail that slices through the Ouachita Mountains into Arkansas, outlaw Jesse James' hideout at Robber's Creek, and a loop through the Wichita Mountains populated with the state's famous bison.

#1: Black Mesa (Hiking)
Hike to Oklahoma's secluded highpoint.



#2: Ouachita National Recreation Trail - Sections 1 & 2 - EGPS (Backpacking)
The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a 223 mile (59 km) hiking and backpacking trail through the Ouachita Mountains of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The trail starts on the west end at Talimena State Park in Oklahoma, and the east end is at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas.



#3: Robber's Cave State Park (Hiking)
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.



#4: Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge (Hiking)
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.