8 Beautiful Mountains in Oklahoma for Scenic Views and Outdoor Adventures

There's a myth that Oklahoma's landscape is composed almost entirely of flat prairie land in the middle of the country. While the middle-of-the-country part holds true, the flat part is a myth. Oklahoma is home to many mountains and hills across the state, ranging from rugged rock to lush green trees. They may not be as big and glamorous as others in the country, but these mountains in Oklahoma still boast natural beauty and diverse topography, plus scenic hikes and drives to enjoy it all. Here are the eight best mountains in Oklahoma that will take your breath away:

1. Kiamichi Mountains in Le Flore, Pushmataha and McCurtain Counties

Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the Kiamichi Mountains are a subrange within the Ouachita Mountains. The highest peak, Lynn Mountain, reaches an elevation of 2,500 feet. If you plan on visiting this part of the Sooner State, Talihina, set in the Kiamichi Valley, is a gateway town to the Kiamichi Mountains.

2. Mount Scott in Lawton

Mount Scott is a prominent mountain located in the Wichita Mountains, just northwest of Lawton. It is famous for its many rock climbing areas, and its highest peak stands at 2,464 feet. It is the second-highest peak in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. The summit of this Oklahoma mountain is pretty easy to reach: just take the 29-mile scenic drive from Lawton to the top of Mount Scott, accessible via a three-mile paved road.

3. Quartz Mountain in Greer County

Quartz Mountain, also called Baldy Point, is located in southwest Oklahoma within Quartz Mountain State Park. The mountain overlooks the beautiful Lake Altus-Lugert and is one of the most western peaks in the Wichita Mountains. It is composed mostly of pink-red Lugert and Reformatory granites, and is a popular spot for rock climbing. It's also one of the most scenic places in Oklahoma.

4. Glass Mountains or Gloss Hills in Fairview

The name "Glass Mountains" is derived from the selenite crystals that sparkle on the slopes and tops of the mesas, making it look like glass from afar. The Glass Mountains, also referred to as "Gloss Mountains," are a group of mesas and buttes that extend from the Permian red beds in Major County. The mountains rise about 150-200 feet above the plains, with the highest elevation reaching 1,600 feet. Part of one of the most incredible mountain ranges in Oklahoma, and you can visit Gloss Mountain State Park for a closer look.

5. Arbuckle Mountains in Murray, Carter, Pontotoc, and Johnston Counties

The Arbuckle Mountain Range is located in south-central Oklahoma and is the oldest known formation in the U.S. between the Appalachian and the Rocky Mountains. The range reaches 1,412 feet above sea level. The Arbuckles contain the popular Turner Falls Park, home to a 77-foot waterfall and a campground, as well as the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, an excellent destination for all your Oklahoma outdoor adventures.

6. Ouachita Mountains in Le Flore, McCurtain, Pushmataha, Latimer, Pittsburg, and Atoka Counties

Unlike other mountain ranges in the U.S., the Ouachita Mountain range runs east-west instead of north-south. They are located in southeastern Oklahoma and are shared with parts of Arkansas. The highest peak in the Ouachita Mountains is Mount Magazine in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. One of the best ways to experience this stunning forested mountain range is a scenic drive along the 54-mile Talimena National Scenic Byway.

7. Wichita Mountains in Comanche and Kiowa Counties

Located in southwestern Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains are rock promontories and rounded hills composed of igneous and sedimentary rocks and large boulders. Haley Peak is the highest point in the mountains at 2,481 feet, while Fort Sill occupies a large portion of the southeastern end of these Oklahoma mountains. One of the best ways to experience the beauty and glory of this mountain range is a drive along the 93-mile Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway, which begins in Apache and runs through Carnegie, Medicine Park, and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

8. Flagpole Mountain in Pushmataha County

Flagpole Mountain is a 906-foot mountain peak near Clayton, Oklahoma, in the northwest corner of Pushmataha County by Sardis Lake. It still retains a fire tower that was part of a network of towers but is no longer operational.

Best Time To Visit The Mountains In Oklahoma

For foliage scenery and cooler weather, fall is perhaps the best time to visit the Oklahoma mountains. There's nothing quite like taking a hike through the mountains, with hues of red, orange, and yellow surrounding you, not to mention the refreshing mountain air. And just think of the views you'll be able to marvel at from atop an overlook or mountain summit! There are also fewer crowds between October and April if you prefer more solitude during your Oklahoma mountain adventures.

We told you Oklahoma is not all flat. There are several notable mountain ranges and peaks just waiting for you to explore and marvel at their magnificent beauty. For an incredible weekend getaway, check out this scenic, off-grid Oklahoma vacation rental in the Kiamichi Mountains. You can also discover bucket-list views from these scenic overlooks in Oklahoma.