Roman Nose State Park: 800.892.8690; www.oklahomaparks.com;

romannosepark@oklahomaparks.com.   Directions: Located 4 miles north of the town of Watonga on Hwy 8, then 3 miles N on Hwy 8A.

What to Expect:  The landscapes in this loop are the effect of three prairie rivers - the Cimarron, the North Canadian and the South Canadian. Flooded woodland, cattail wetlands and natural springs are nestled amongst rolling uplands carpeted with mixed-grass prairies and eastern redcedar (This not a misprint – this evergreen is not a true cedar but an invading juniper!).  This diversity of wooded areas, wetlands and prairie provide habitat for both eastern and western bird species.  Canton Lake, a 7,900 acre reservoir, attracts bald eagles, American white pelicans, gulls, and waterfowl during winter.  Adjacent to this lake is a prairie dog town that is active unless extremely cold.  Eastern meadowlarks, dickcissels, and roadrunners are common in summer.  Rio Grande turkey and wood duck are year-round residents.  Count the number of scissortailed flycatchers perched on barbed wire fences and utility lines as you travel this loop during spring, summer and early fall- you’ll be astounded at the total!

One-Day Outings:  Fill up your gas tank and pack a picnic lunch  or enjoy lunch at any of the local cafes and restaurants.

Roman Nose State Park (9-1) Once a winter campground of the Cheyenne tribe, this area now is a scenic retreat set on a canyon bluff that over-looks ancient mesas.  With hiking trails, two lakes, natural springs, trout fishing in season, canoeing, horse stables and hayrides this Park offers a full day of wildlife-viewing fun. Check out their website (see above) for more information on lodging, scheduled programs and other amenities.

Canton Lake and Wildlife Management Area (9-2) This beautiful man-made lake offers various outdoor recreational activities for the entire family.  The Corps of Engineers operates five multi-use recreation areas that offer overnight camping and day-use to the public. Sightseers may view the lake from the 2.5 mile stretch of State Highway 58A that crosses over Canton Dam. Three parking areas with fishing jetties are located on the dam. Other features include a nature trail, overlook visitor center, outdoor amphitheater with scheduled weekend programs, a scenic drive and an active prairie dog town.  (Contact information above.)

Three Rivers Scenic Drive: Drive this route to get an overview of the beauty of this landscape created by the Cimarron, North Canadian and South Canadian rivers. Enjoy the South Canadian River floodplain as you drive the winding road from Watonga to Taloga. Turn west 2 miles northwest of Oakwood on Hwy 270 and stop at the Oakwood Low water Bridge (9-3). It will provide the traveler with an opportunity to look for wildlife in a cattail wetland. North of Taloga, cross the bridge and park in the parking area. Take a short walk down to the S. Canadian River to look for wildlife at the beginning of the Canadian River Nature Trail (9-4). Beware of quicksand. Next, travel on the blacktop road west of the bridge to the Dewey County WMA (9-6) and park in the parking area. Walk a little way down the foot path to watch for wildlife. Head on west and take your time as you drive the ~ 42 mile Canadian River Valley Drive (9-9) and enjoy the vistas. Return to Taloga for a nice break. North out of Taloga pull out at the Raffington Hill (9-5) to explore the base of this hill for lizards as well as the large trees for birds. Go north to the intersection of Hwy 183 & 51 and head east to Seiling. Travel on through Seiling on the blacktop road toward Canton Lake (9-2). The road parallels the N. Canadian River which was dammed to create the lake. If the weather is good, consider driving the ~ 24 miles from the town of Southard to reach the Cimarron River Scenic drive (9-10). This 4 mile dirt road might be short but it's an opportunity to get off the beaten path and leisurely explore prairie and wooded areas associated with the Cimarron River. Driving back to Southard, turn south and have dinner at the Lodge at Roman Nose State Park or one of the restaurants.  

Birding Route:  The Three Rivers Scenic Drive (see above) is an excellent birding route.  Be at the Oakwood Low Water Bridge (9-3) at dawn. 

Guest Ranches:  At Cedar Ridge Farms (9-8) visit the heart of the Canadian River Valley and explore the cedar-covered ridges, vast agricultural fields, and natural springs. Contact: 580.922.4468.  Pope Hilltop Farms (9-9) offers the visitor an opportunity to walk prairies and explore wooded areas adjacent to creeks and numerous ponds.  Note:  Area is closed from Sept. 1 to May 1.  Contact:  405.729.4336; claypope@pldi.net.