Red Rock Canyon State Park: 405.542.6344; www.oklahomaparks.com;

Directions:  Take Exit # 101 off of I-40, then 5 miles south on Hwy 281.

What to Expect:  The dominant landscape in this loop are the canyon systems, cut by water through dry, rolling plains.  These narrow, vertical-walled canyons provide protection from the sun and hot winds.  Small flowing streams wind through densely wooded bottomlands that show marked affinities to eastern deciduous forests.  In fact, these canyons contain some of the most diverse forest of the Great Plains.  Eastern tree species such as sugar maples, box elder, Ohio buckeye, and black walnut can be observed in the canyons.  The canyons also support ferns, mosses and flowering wildflowers associated with eastern forests.  The bird life in these canyons resembles that of the Ozark Mountains including the Eastern Wood-pewee, Wood Thrush, White-eyed Vireo, and Louisiana Waterthrush.  In sharp contrast, the dry, eroded slopes and bluff above the canyons support scrub oak and Eastern redcedar.  Here you will observe Rock Wrens, 2 Oriole species, roadrunners as well as skinks and collared lizards, basking on the rock ledges. Reservoirs in this Loop support abundant wintering waterfowl, herons and egrets in summer and Osprey during fall migration.

One-Day Outings:  Fill up your gas tank and pack a picnic lunch (grocery stores in Clinton, Cordell, Hinton and Weatherford) or eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the above listed towns.

State Parks:  A day could easily be spent at each of these parks:  Crowder Lake University Park (11-3), Ft. Cobb State Park (11-2) or Red Rock Canyon State Park (11-1).  At Crowder Lake (11-3) be sure to walk the 1 mile hard surface interpretive trail.  For boating and fishing spend the day at Ft. Cobb State Park (11-2) where personal watercraft can be rented.  Be sure to check out the Nature Center.  Red Rock Canyon State Park (11-1) is an oasis created by narrow red walls and flowing creeks.  Be sure to take the time to walk the two nature trails.

Cordell Reservoir Wildlife Conservation and Public Use Area (11-4) offers fishing, picnicking and the opportunity to leisurely walk the 20-acre woodlands, creeks, bottomlands and prairie.  Entrance key is required.  Contact information under “lodging”. 

Birding Route:  A good opportunity to observe both eastern and western bird species can be found on this Loop.  Early morning first stop should be at American Horse Lake (11-5).  Drive the scenic route west from the Lake toward Thomas and take Hwy 54 south to Weatherford for a break.  Next stop, should be at Crowder Lake University Park (11-3).  Then the stop at Ft. Cobb State Park (11-2) and finally on to Red Rock Canyon State Park (11-1).  This route is about 130 ½ miles.   Also recommended is to drive east of Red Rock Canyon State Park (11-1) on Hwy 37 through the majestic hills and canyons to Hwy 152 and head west. Keep your eyes open for the Bison herd as you circle back toward the park.