Chickasaw National Recreation Area has been described as an “oasis in the Oklahoma prairie” in the past. It is situated in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma near Sulphur. It is full of natural springs and mineral springs that attract visitors from all over the country. This epic natural spring in Oklahoma is a nature lover’s dream come true, and once you see the pictures, you’ll probably agree.
Travertine Creek, joined by Rock Creek, flows through the district, rising in Antelope Springs and Buffalo Springs at the eastern end of the park.
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr The springs produce 5 million gallons per day of cool, crystal clear-water and form Travertine Creek, which is joined by Rock Creek about 2 miles from its source.
The water of Travertine Creek maintains an average temperature of 65 degrees year-round, which makes for an invigorating plunge on hot days.
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr Travertine Creek tumbles over 75 natural rock falls and down six man-made dams as it winds along its 2 1/2 mile course from the Travertine Nature Center to Pavilion Springs.
There are a number of cold-water mineral springs in the park which give rise to sulphur, bromide, and iron-bearing waters.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area/Facebook
Folklore says that the ancient people called this place “the Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters."
Chickasaw National Recreation Area/Facebook
Most of these are enclosed in pavilions or pools constructed of native stone and shaded by groves of large, old trees which present a pleasant and comfortable setting for the use and enjoyment of the springs.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area/Facebook Shown below: Buffalo Springs.
…and Pavilion Springs.
Granger Meador/Flickr Flower Park contains pools of sulphur water (flowing from the Vendome Well) and mud which historically had some therapeutic qualities attributed to it.
Granger Meador/Flickr An overview map of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
With over 18 miles of trails including a newly constructed two-mile long paved handicapped trail, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is sure to have a trail just for you!
Granger Meador/Flickr
Enjoy a walk across Lincoln Bridge and all the beauty that surrounds it.
Kristina & David/Flickr Chickasaw lies in a transition zone where the Eastern deciduous forest and the Western prairies meet. It has flora and fauna from both environments, and other flora and fauna specific to such transition areas.
Wildflower viewing is best from March to October.
Granger Meador/Flickr Rock Creek Trail is the perfect trail to view these wildflowers.
Two small dams form the swimming area at Bear Falls. Garfield Falls is located immediately downstream.
Kat Standefer/Facebook Due to its proximity to the Cold Springs Campground, this is one of the most heavily used swimming areas in the park. Now you can see why these springs are a must-visit!
Do you hope to check out this epic natural spring in Oklahoma any time soon? We sure do! Have you ever been to Chickasaw National Recreation Area? If so, what part of the park is your favorite? Tell us your opinions in the comments!
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr
The springs produce 5 million gallons per day of cool, crystal clear-water and form Travertine Creek, which is joined by Rock Creek about 2 miles from its source.
Travertine Creek tumbles over 75 natural rock falls and down six man-made dams as it winds along its 2 1/2 mile course from the Travertine Nature Center to Pavilion Springs.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area/Facebook
Shown below: Buffalo Springs.
Granger Meador/Flickr
Flower Park contains pools of sulphur water (flowing from the Vendome Well) and mud which historically had some therapeutic qualities attributed to it.
An overview map of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Kristina & David/Flickr
Chickasaw lies in a transition zone where the Eastern deciduous forest and the Western prairies meet. It has flora and fauna from both environments, and other flora and fauna specific to such transition areas.
Rock Creek Trail is the perfect trail to view these wildflowers.
Kat Standefer/Facebook
Due to its proximity to the Cold Springs Campground, this is one of the most heavily used swimming areas in the park. Now you can see why these springs are a must-visit!
And for more information on this favorite summertime spot in Oklahoma, visit the area’s website.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Travertine Creek, Oklahoma 73086, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Epic Natural Spring in Oklahoma May 06, 2021 Tori Jane What are some amazing waterfalls in Oklahoma? The Sooner State is home to tons of rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds, and with those often comes the majesty of waterfalls. For example, in Sulphur, you’ll find Little Niagara which is named for its width more than its height. In the same region, you’ll also find Buffalo Springs and Antelope, where you can see two separate waterfalls. In McCurtain County, you’ll find amazing cascades like Presbyterian Falls and the Beavers’ Bend Waterfall, both of which will awe you. We’re not sure what exactly it is about beautiful, clear, cool water tumbling down from a higher point to a lower one, but we are totally about it. Wanna know more? This article covers several of the Sooner State’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls. Where can I find the best natural gems in Oklahoma? Honestly? All over the place! No matter where you turn, you’re bound to find something natural to marvel at. Our state is vast, wide-open, and absolutely beautiful. Our endless blue skies and rolling green plains seem to go on forever, and truly, Oklahoma is a natural gem all by itself. Some of the more popular natural gems in the state for people to visit, though, include some amazing wonders like Turner Falls, in Davis, which are unlike any other waterfall in the state, and the Great Salt Plains State Park is a strange and interesting little spot that you won’t find anywhere else but here. The Gloss Mountains are strange and beautiful and often called the “glass” mountains instead, on account of their shiny, high-gloss texture. Black Mesa State Park is another interesting gem in Oklahoma that everyone should check out at least once. What are the most popular places to go hiking in Oklahoma? Given that Oklahoma is home to more than 350 awesome trails, all of varying skill levels. You’ll find something beautiful no matter what you’re looking for! According to AllTrails.com, the top five most popular hiking trails in Oklahoma include the Elk Mountain Trail, in Charons Garden Wilderness, Friends Trail Loop, at Beavers Bend State Park, the Bison Trail, in the Wichita Mountains, the Skyline Trail, also at Beavers Bend, and Narrows Trail, which, like Bison Trail, is in the Wichitas. Each trail offers something totally unique to itself, and an Okie who also considers themselves a nature connoisseur would be naive to pass up a hike at any of these epic places.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Epic Natural Spring in Oklahoma
May 06, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some amazing waterfalls in Oklahoma? The Sooner State is home to tons of rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds, and with those often comes the majesty of waterfalls. For example, in Sulphur, you’ll find Little Niagara which is named for its width more than its height. In the same region, you’ll also find Buffalo Springs and Antelope, where you can see two separate waterfalls. In McCurtain County, you’ll find amazing cascades like Presbyterian Falls and the Beavers’ Bend Waterfall, both of which will awe you. We’re not sure what exactly it is about beautiful, clear, cool water tumbling down from a higher point to a lower one, but we are totally about it. Wanna know more? This article covers several of the Sooner State’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls. Where can I find the best natural gems in Oklahoma? Honestly? All over the place! No matter where you turn, you’re bound to find something natural to marvel at. Our state is vast, wide-open, and absolutely beautiful. Our endless blue skies and rolling green plains seem to go on forever, and truly, Oklahoma is a natural gem all by itself. Some of the more popular natural gems in the state for people to visit, though, include some amazing wonders like Turner Falls, in Davis, which are unlike any other waterfall in the state, and the Great Salt Plains State Park is a strange and interesting little spot that you won’t find anywhere else but here. The Gloss Mountains are strange and beautiful and often called the “glass” mountains instead, on account of their shiny, high-gloss texture. Black Mesa State Park is another interesting gem in Oklahoma that everyone should check out at least once. What are the most popular places to go hiking in Oklahoma? Given that Oklahoma is home to more than 350 awesome trails, all of varying skill levels. You’ll find something beautiful no matter what you’re looking for! According to AllTrails.com, the top five most popular hiking trails in Oklahoma include the Elk Mountain Trail, in Charons Garden Wilderness, Friends Trail Loop, at Beavers Bend State Park, the Bison Trail, in the Wichita Mountains, the Skyline Trail, also at Beavers Bend, and Narrows Trail, which, like Bison Trail, is in the Wichitas. Each trail offers something totally unique to itself, and an Okie who also considers themselves a nature connoisseur would be naive to pass up a hike at any of these epic places.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Sooner State is home to tons of rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds, and with those often comes the majesty of waterfalls. For example, in Sulphur, you’ll find Little Niagara which is named for its width more than its height. In the same region, you’ll also find Buffalo Springs and Antelope, where you can see two separate waterfalls. In McCurtain County, you’ll find amazing cascades like Presbyterian Falls and the Beavers’ Bend Waterfall, both of which will awe you. We’re not sure what exactly it is about beautiful, clear, cool water tumbling down from a higher point to a lower one, but we are totally about it. Wanna know more? This article covers several of the Sooner State’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Where can I find the best natural gems in Oklahoma?
Honestly? All over the place! No matter where you turn, you’re bound to find something natural to marvel at. Our state is vast, wide-open, and absolutely beautiful. Our endless blue skies and rolling green plains seem to go on forever, and truly, Oklahoma is a natural gem all by itself. Some of the more popular natural gems in the state for people to visit, though, include some amazing wonders like Turner Falls, in Davis, which are unlike any other waterfall in the state, and the Great Salt Plains State Park is a strange and interesting little spot that you won’t find anywhere else but here. The Gloss Mountains are strange and beautiful and often called the “glass” mountains instead, on account of their shiny, high-gloss texture. Black Mesa State Park is another interesting gem in Oklahoma that everyone should check out at least once.
What are the most popular places to go hiking in Oklahoma?
Given that Oklahoma is home to more than 350 awesome trails, all of varying skill levels. You’ll find something beautiful no matter what you’re looking for! According to AllTrails.com, the top five most popular hiking trails in Oklahoma include the Elk Mountain Trail, in Charons Garden Wilderness, Friends Trail Loop, at Beavers Bend State Park, the Bison Trail, in the Wichita Mountains, the Skyline Trail, also at Beavers Bend, and Narrows Trail, which, like Bison Trail, is in the Wichitas. Each trail offers something totally unique to itself, and an Okie who also considers themselves a nature connoisseur would be naive to pass up a hike at any of these epic places.
