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Oklahoma is often thought of as a place of sweeping plains and wide vistas, but the state has much more to offer. In fact, eastern Oklahoma is a land of mountain ridges and valleys highlighted by the Ozark, Sans Bois and Ouachita ranges. Scattered among these are some of the Sooner State's best state park areas.

One favorite is Robbers Cave State Park, near the small town of Wilburton. Recently rated by a national magazine as one of America's "sexiest" outdoor locations, Robbers Cave features a lake, mountain views, hiking trails, rock formations and unusual caves and rock shelters. The park takes its name from its Old West history. Frontier outlaws including Jesse James and Belle Starr are said to have used its caves as hideouts during the years following the Civil War. The largest cave in the park, Robbers Cave, includes an inscription dating from 1877. In addition to its scenery and historic sites, the park features a lodge, cabins and campgrounds.

History of a different kind, along with even more spectacular scenery, can be explored at the unusual Heavener Runestone State Park near the small town of Heavener. Deep in a picturesque ravine at the park can be found a massive slab of sandstone bearing what some claim are runes or inscriptions left behind by Viking explorers nearly 1,000 years ago. Vikings in Oklahoma? Well, maybe. The runes have been interpreted by some to read "Glomesdal" or "Glome's Valley," leading to speculation they were carved by a Norse explorer named Glome. Others, though, think they actually read "Gnomesdal" or "Gnome's Valley" and probably were the creation of a hoaxer who was having a little fun with the unique setting of the beautiful mountain ravine.

For pure beauty, it is difficult to surpass Tenkiller State Park near Vian, Oklahoma. Set among picturesque hills and bluffs surrounding crystal clear Lake Tenkiller, the park is a natural wonderland that some call "Heaven in the Hills." Among the more unique attractions of the park is the opportunity to do a little open water scuba diving in the middle of America. Tenkiller offers one of the only underwater scuba parks in the heartland.

And finally, if nature combined with movie trivia sparks your interest, there is Natural Falls State Park near West Siloam Springs. The park is centered around a spectacular waterfall that plunges seventy-seven feet into a beautiful ravine. Long known as Dripping Springs to local residents, the waterfall was featured in the popular movie "Where the Red Fern Grows."

For more information on these and other Oklahoma State Parks, be sure to visit the state's website at www.oklahomaparks.com.

Learn more about this author, Dale Cox.
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