I returned to Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulfur Oklahoma on a beautiful weekend to walk around the former national park area. The Bison Pasture Trail Loop is an easy trail that’s approximately 2.5 miles long. It’s a great weekend trail for anyone from southern Oklahoma or from the Oklahoma City Metro to come down and do it in an afternoon.
Things to See on the Bison Pasture Trail Loop
The Hillside Spring in Chickasaw National Recreation Area. 📍 34.502060, -096.971341 
The view from Bromide Hill in CNRA near Sulfur Oklahoma. 
The trail on the northern part near the bridge over Rock Creek. 📍 34.502587, -096.973473 
The Pavilion Spring bubbling up in it’s shelter in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. 📍 34.502855, -096.970435
I started near Bromide hill on the western part of the traditional park. The trail starts with a hike up the side of the cliff that is easy-to-moderate but provides tons of views to the north as you walk higher and higher. It was a good walk to get near the top and then you veer off and head into a more flat area.
The trail travels up to the Bison Pasture Viewpoint and you can see if any bison are in the area. There were no animals when I walked by. You then walk by the Leeper House – Admin building which has a traditional vibe from the 1930s and near that is the Hillside Spring. It has a strong sulfur smell and is a cool spring. Across the street is Pavilion Spring in a small building and worth a quick run across the street to see.
The trail then swings back to the west and it’s a relaxing walk through a covered and crisp forest. You will parallel the Rock Creek and eventually cross it at a traditional looking multi-arch bridge. This was a nice place to stop and relax for a moment and enjoy the creek running underneath. The last portion of the trail is through the built-up and paved area to return to the vehicle.
Visiting Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a great weekend trip. The Bison Pasture Trail Loop is a great way to get your steps in and mileage in for the day. You should definitely visit this wonderful attraction if the weather turns great and you’re looking for something to do!