WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
CNRA is about two hours north of the Heard Nature Center in McKinney. It appears on most lists of “best places in Oklahoma to experience fall color.”
CNRA was part of a large area deeded as a reservation to the Chickasaw people after their forced migration on the infamous Trail of Tears from the eastern U.S. to what became Oklahoma. Once resettled, they found a beautiful natural area full of springs and mineral waters. Eventually, so did everyone else. Outsiders began settling the town of Sulphur hoping to exploit the waters. So, to protect the pristine tract, the Chickasaw people sold it to the U.S. Government in 1902. In 1906, a year before Oklahoma became a state, it became Platt National Park. During the 1930’s Great Depression years, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built pavilions, roads, trails, and waterfalls and planted more than a half million trees. In 1976, the land was combined with 10,000 acres that included Lake of the Arbuckles and was reorganized into the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to commemorate the Chickasaw Tribe’s efforts to protect the natural area. Our own Ed Pierce has a photo of his grandmother on horseback in that area before it became a national park. His grandparents’ family camped there during summers.
Travertine Nature Center in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in July, ©2026 TKM
Most trails are wide, fairly level, and well-groomed gravel. The Veterans Lake Trail is paved. There are a West Bison Pasture Trail and an East Bison Pasture Trail with some viewpoints that may provide opportunities to photograph buffalo. The Flower Park Trail connecting Vendome Well and Lincoln Bridge should provide some nice photo ops. Bromide Hill is the high point in the park at the end of a short trail, and it should provide some colorful vistas. There are trails all along Travertine Creek, many originating at the Travertine Nature Center, that also should provide good photo ops.
Lincoln Bridge over Travertine Creek, © Lindsay Meares
TRAVEL
Regardless of where you begin, your car or cell phone GPS should take you to CNRA’s Travertine Nature Center. It’s just over a two-hour drive north from the Heard Nature Center in McKinney. CNRA is also less than a half-hour drive from Turner Falls, the highest waterfall in Oklahoma. Admission to Turner Falls Park during November is $9.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (55+) and children (6-12). Children under 6 are admitted for free.
Turner Falls, OK, ©Gary Allen Nelson
LUNCH
Springs at the Artesian is a restaurant inside the Artesian Hotel in downtown Sulphur, Oklahoma. Parking is free in the parking lot or the parking garage. It’s a nice place to eat and the food is excellent. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her Smothered Chicken, and I thought my Bone-In Porkchop was tasty. Both entrees came with excellent garlic mashed potatoes and we were able to choose from a variety of side dishes.
Trail Near Travertine Nature Center in July, ©2026 TKM
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
Wide-Angle Lens for Landscapes. (A zoom lens adds flexibility.)
Macro Lens, Extension Tubes, or Close-Up Diopters (For close-up shots of plants or insects.)
Telephoto lens for Wildlife, Distant Objects, or Lens Compression effects for Landscapes. (A zoom lens adds flexibility.)
Tripod and/or Monopod.
Extra Batteries and Extra Memory Cards
Water and Snacks
Long Pants and Long-Sleeved Shirt (to Protect against Ticks, Mosquitoes, and Chiggers).
Hat (to Protect from Sun and Ticks) and a Jacket (in case it gets cool).
Travertine Creek, ©Kit Leong
CONTACT INFORMATION: Contact me if you have questions.
Tom Martin
HNP Field Trip Coordinator
(469) 261-3045
hollyfox07@gmail.com
Map of Chickasaw National Recreation Area