Discover Oklahoma: You'll take a shine to these unique state parks
Through the years, I do get stopped while in a store or supermarket and people ask a variety of questions from "Where can I buy the best steak in Oklahoma?" or “Name a state park we should look out for a family vacation next summer." I could do a series of articles and never put a dent in the different kinds of wonderful restaurants across the state. But in this article I do want to mention a few specific state parks.
Beavers Bend, Sequoyah, Roman Nose, Robbers Cave, Lake Murray are all popular state parks. These I named off the top of my head. Trust me there are so many incredible state parks in Oklahoma. But I want to direct you to a few so you don’t overlook them. And I will begin with one that is quite unique from other state parks — Gloss Mountain State Park near Fairview in northwest Oklahoma.
While driving along U.S. 412 in Major County, I love how out of the relatively flat terrain, these natural forms called mesas stand majestic, distant and reclusive, yet retain an aura of mystery. Jetting up from the grasslands, these red mesas are cloaked in crystals and sparkle like diamonds.
More: Discover Oklahoma: The hiking trails are calling your name this fall
I find it fascinating to think this was all made by water, centuries ago. And today as you visit Gloss Mountain State Park, you can see how this creates Oklahoma’s diverse terrain.
Now, this is an unattended park and by that, I mean there is no lodging or campsites, but many times there is a volunteer here to help visitors. There is also a valuable brochure at the gate that is extremely helpful. The park encompasses 640 acres of land, with the biggest and longest mesa being referred to Cathedral Mountain. It is at the base of this particular mesa where you can find an information kiosk and picnic pavilions.
Hiking is the main activity at the park, but for introductory family hiking trips, this is an easy way at the base, near the kiosk. The stairs zigzag their way toward the top of the bold mesa. At times, the stairs can be steep, but about mid-point, you will also find a few very welcoming benches for you to take a break. The last 10 to 15 feet of the trail is a little tougher to scale as it is rugged and rocky, but there’s a handrail that helps where you can hoist yourself up.
The view from the top is quite spectacular, and one can see for miles and miles! It’s absolutely beautiful, and on a clear day, you see what seems like forever. The terrain on top is nearly flat and marked trails will take you on a loop around the top of Cathedral Mountain.
Earlier I wrote the mesas appeared to be cloaked in crystals and sparkle like diamonds. That’s true because it is here you will see the high selenite gypsum content everywhere. I’ve stood on top of the mountain looking into the distance and found myself lost in thought, forgetting my troubles and taking in the beauty and peacefulness that surrounds this destination.
Don’t forget about Natural Falls State Park and what has been called “one of the most spectacular spots” in Oklahoma. This beautiful 77-foot waterfall can be found in the northeastern part of the state.
And I have to list two “great” parks and I use the word great … literally. Great Plains State Park in Mountain Park in southwestern Oklahoma and Great Salt Plains State Park in Jet, which is located in northwest Oklahoma.
For a complete list of all the state parks in Oklahoma, just go to Travelok.com.
Dino Lalli is the co-host and one of the feature reporters for the weekly television travel show "Discover Oklahoma."
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Unique state parks are shining examples of Oklahoma's diverse terrain
