Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Low water crossing at Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur is one of Oklahoma’s national parks and Oklahoma’s first national park. It was originally known as the Platte National Park, then in 1976 it area was combined with the Arbuckle Recreation Area and renamed Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The area is known for its mineral springs, and a focal point in the park is the sulphur springs. Taste it if you like, but I personally do not like the taste or smell of the sulphur. In the early 1900’s springs in the area contained several different minerals. Thousands came by train and wagon for the healing mineral waters and cooling fresh springs.

Today the area is still popular as a place to cool off in the hot summer months as the springs offer a variety of swimming holes. It does take some adjustment getting in as the water is around 62 degrees. Still haven’t decided if it is best to get in a little at a time or just jump in. Rock formations create waterfalls along the springs; a popular one has been nicknamed “Little Niagara”. There is a low water bridge on the road that leads to the Travertine Nature Center which we have driven the bikes across several times. Photos of me crossing were blurry (someone said I was going to fast), but I did get a few photos of Dan going over the low water bridge. He is notorious for taking videos and photos of my backside, that is me riding while he follows taking photos, so he did get a good video of me riding through the park.

Not only is Chickasaw National Recreation Area good for bike riding, it has some great hiking trails, camping areas, and swimming holes, with boating and fishing at Lake of the Arbuckles. The Travertine Nature Center also has some nice patches for sale.