Hiking in Sulfur, Oklahoma

The town of Sulfur, Oklahoma, sits on the doorstep of Chackasaw National Recreation Area, providing access to nearly 10,000 acres of wilderness. The recreation area includes roughly 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the rugged foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains. Hikers can walk alongside trickling mountain streams, watch buffalo graze on an open prairie and explore the shoreline of 2,350-acre Lake of the Arbuckles.

  1. Trails of the Platt Historic District

    • At the northern end of Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Platt Historic District is home to several trails within five minutes of Sulfur. Starting at the Travertine Nature Center, you can access several easy hiking trails, including the Antelope Trail and Buffalo Springs Trail, which form a 1.2-mile loop along a shady creek. You can also explore several shorter side trails that branch off from the main loop. The nearby Bison Pasture Trail takes a slightly more strenuous 1.9-mile course, but rewards hikers with the sight of bison grazing in the grasslands along the trail. The Bison Pasture Trail is accessible from Bison Viewpoint, just off U.S. Route 177, and connects to the Bromide Hill and Rock Creek trails.

    The Rock Creek Trail

    • The Rock Creek Trail is a great option for hikers who want to cover a lot of ground. The trail consists of four interconnected trails that total about 9 miles and stretch across a vast section of Chickasaw National Recreation Area from north to south. The level of difficulty varies along the way. Expect a few rocky areas and uphill climbs, and the trail explores a diverse landscape where western mixed-grass prairie meets eastern deciduous forest. The northern end of the trail is accessible from a dirt road west of Veterans Lake, and the southern terminus is near the shore of Lake of the Arbuckles. Trail maps are available through the National Park Service website.

    Lakeside Hiking Trails

    • State Highway 7 stretches out onto a strip of land known as The Point, which extends out into Lake of the Arbuckles. Two short hiking trails are accessible from the highway, running in opposite directions through the lakeside woods and prairies. Fishing Rock Trail heads off to the northwest, while Lakeview Trail takes hikers southeast. Both trails provide ample access to the lake, making them perfect for fishermen looking for a secluded spot to cast a line. A current Oklahoma fishing license is required to fish, and Lake of the Arbuckles often rewards anglers with hefty catches of bass, bream, catfish and crappie.

    Know Before You Go

    • In general, the trails in Chickasaw National Recreation Area are not particularly strenuous, but a bit of stamina and a pair of durable hiking shoes are good things to have -- and plenty of water is essential. Streams along the trail are often dry in summer, and all water must be treated or purified before drinking, so bring enough to last through the whole trip. Many trails wind through open, exposed countryside, so don't venture out during stormy conditions. Dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions.