Oklahoma's Unique State Park Brims With Exciting Mountain Adventures, Fall Foliage, And A Notorious History
Famous as the title of Rodgers and Hammerstein's first stage musical, Oklahoma is also a truly underrated state for incredible scenery. You'll find mesmerizing mesas and an iconic trail at Oklahoma's unique state park, while a trip to the Arbuckle Mountains will bring you to one of Oklahoma's tallest waterfall swimming holes. But head into the heart of the Sans Bois Mountains, just under three hours by car from Oklahoma City, and you'll enter the incredible Robbers Cave State Park, a landscape of jagged sandstone bluffs rising up over serene lakes and mountain streams. Also hiding a notorious history, this is a part of Oklahoma you won't want to miss.
Though the French phrase "sans bois" means "without wood", ironically, the dramatic slopes of the Sans Bois Mountains are in fact densely carpeted with picturesque, wild woodlands. Fringing the rocky ridges and waterways within Robbers Cave State Park, the hardwoods and pines are particularly spectacular in the autumn, when the leaves transition into warm, tawny hues. All it takes is a leisurely drive along the state highway snaking through the park to admire the golden landscape.
What's more, as the name suggests, Robbers Cave State Park was once an outlaw's hideout. Though hunters and miners had always made use of the area's abundant natural resources, it wasn't until after the Civil War period that the craggy mountain caves became a refuge for such infamous Wild West bandits as the Rufus Buck Gang, the female outlaw Belle Starr, and the legendary train robber Jesse James. These sheltered coves can still be explored today, sure to thrill both history buffs and eager adventurers. Hike the mountainous trails for a glimpse of breathtaking vistas, fish the lakes and babbling creeks, and make the most unforgettable memories at this underrated Oklahoma state park.
Explore the nature trails around Robbers Cave State Park
If you're itching to head out on an exhilarating trek, the state park has plenty of trails to choose from. For a scenic loop, take the Lake Carlton Trail, which takes you through the picturesque woodland scenery for about 3 miles. Cool off afterwards with a dip in the refreshing lake, or go kayaking and canoeing, while anglers can launch a boat on the water to spend the day fishing for bass, trout, and catfish.
Of course, you simply can't miss the Robber's Cave Trail if you want to retrace the footsteps of some of America's most notorious gunslingers. Though it can become steep and a little rocky in some parts, the trail is less than half a mile long and will lead you to the dramatic rock formations atop the bluff, where slanted layers of sandstone and boulders gradually shifted over time to form a gaping crevice large enough for humans to pass through. Imagine yourself as an outlaw on the run as you explore the passageways and narrow slots of the caves. Find a spot to sit for a while and soak up the spectacular woodland panoramas.
For more fantastic lakeside scenery, head out onto the Lake Wayne Wallace Trail for a relaxing hike with opportunities for birdwatching. Anglers can try their hand at reeling in some channel catfish and largemouth bass. Another great hike is the Rough Canyon Trail, a fantastic loop through small ponds shaded by trees and mountain slopes. Equestrians can even canter through the forested ridges and bluffs to explore the landscape on horseback, since most of the hiking trails double as horse riding trails. With so much to explore, you may even want to spend the night at one of the park's campgrounds.
More outdoor adventures in Robbers Cave State Park
With at least 8 miles of biking trails winding through the slopes, off-roaders can bring their mountain bikes to pedal across the rocky terrain for a thrilling ride. Climbers can test their skills scaling the rocky boulders and rappelling down the sandstone cliffs, particularly around Robber's Cave. For a fun family day out, the park even has a swimming pool in the summertime, not to mention playgrounds for children to scamper around, and picnic shelters to enjoy a snack amid the stunning scenery. Take a hayride tour, or hit the miniature golf course if you need a little extra dose of fun. There's no end to the delights you'll find here.
The state park even offers seasonal excitement for anyone who simply wants to bask in the backcountry atmosphere. Visit during October to join in on the Robbers Cave Fall Festival, which regularly draws in crowds of over 80,000 people. Hosted against the scenic backdrop of Lake Carlton, surrounded by dramatic mountain cliffs, you'll be able to browse craft stalls for unique souvenirs like handcrafted soaps and jewelry, all while live music provides delightful entertainment. An auto show with custom cars, hot rods, and trucks brings even more excitement, while food vendors offer tasty refreshments, from autumnal fare like caramel apples and root beer to classic bites like curly fries, corndogs, and barbecue sandwiches.
Why not stay a while to prolong the magic? If you don't feel like camping, the nearest town is Wilburton, a mere 10-minute drive away. Here you'll find affordable and cozy accommodations to spend the night before returning to the delights of the state park the next day. And if you're looking for more unforgettable Oklahoma adventures, drive about two hours southeast to visit the state's most beautiful lake.