A Mountain Refuge Hidden In Southern Oklahoma Is A Hiker's Dream With Lots Of Wildlife

Oklahoma is in the Great Plains region of the United States, but its land isn't as flat and homogenous as you might think. Oklahoma has underrated state parks offering unbeatable scenery and diverse landscapes. The Sooner State is also a Southern gem full of wildlife, including some of the country's most beloved animals. A place where you can combine all of these attributes is at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, one of the earliest designated wildlife refuges in the country.

The more than 50,000 acres of protected lands that make up the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are home to bison, deer, prairie dogs, close to 300 species of birds, and more. Hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities within the refuge can take you around its granite hilltops, prairie spaces, and bodies of water. Even if hiking and rock climbing aren't your outdoor activities of choice, there are ways to enjoy the scenery from the comforts of your vehicle. Spend the day at this refuge, camp overnight, or use nearby towns as your home base for an extended trip. No matter how long you stay, you'll be surprised at how much terrain there is to see in a perhaps underrated U.S. state.

Among the landmarks within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is the Jed Johnson Tower, which overlooks Lake Jed Johnson. The trailhead is near Highway 49, and after just a few minutes of following the trail, the Jed Johnson Tower comes into view. This former fire watch station is not open to the public anymore, but the trail helps you get up close to it. Plus, the surrounding scenery makes it well worth a visit. Wildlife lovers should keep their eye out for bison footprints in the red dirt on this 1.8-mile trail. Another popular hiking trail that is a bit more of a challenge is the Narrows Trail. This two-and-a-half-mile roundtrip trail is a favorite part of the refuge for rock climbers too, especially if they want to visit the Lichen Wall or the Zoo Wall. However, take note that short rappelling and fixed anchors are not allowed.

Getting to the Narrows shows off other highlights of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, as you'll drive past the Doris Campground and Boulder Picnic Area. The campground is equipped for both tents and RVs with electrical hookups. For remote camping and more hiking trails, head to the rocky yet beautiful terrain at Charon's Garden Wilderness Area.

For a wide view of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge from an elevation of over 2,400 feet, you can drive all the way to the top of Mount Scott. The parking lot at the top allows you to stick around and soak in the rolling hills and grasslands. Take Mount Scott Road from Highway 49 to reach this unique part of the refuge.

One of the organizations working to educate the public about the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is Friends of the Wichitas. They provide interactive tours for anyone over eight years old either on foot or by bus from the refuge Visitor Center. Take your pick from tours focusing on historic sites, wildlife, plant life, and geology. Go to the Friends of the Wichitas website for contact information and to reserve your spots.

Camping is not the only way to enjoy the refuge for more than just one day. The neighboring town of Medicine Park, only a 15-minute drive from the refuge, is Oklahoma's oldest resort town and is filled with restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, and historic buildings. Spend the day at the refuge and then wind down at any of Medicine Park's quaint lodging options for an adventurous yet relaxing trip.