Oklahoma's Topography: Mostly Plains, With Island Ranges

Oklahoma is predominantly flat to rolling prairie — the Great Plains' southern reach. But "mostly flat" ≠ "featureless."

The Exceptions

• Ouachita Mountains (SE): Folded ridges, pine/hardwood forest — Rich Mountain (2,681 ft), highest east of Rockies.
• Arbuckle Mountains (S-central): Ancient granite core, limestone reefs — Turner Falls (77 ft).
• Wichita Mountains (SW): Granite plutons, boulder fields, wildlife refuge — Mount Scott (2,464 ft).
• Ozark Plateau (NE): Dissected plateau, karst, springs — Illinois River, caves.
• Glass Mountains (NW): Selenite-capped mesas, red shale.

Why It Matters

• Agriculture: Plains = wheat, sorghum, cattle; hills = pecans, vineyards, timber.
• Weather: Dry line (severe storm trigger) sets up along I-35 corridor.
• Recreation: Ouachita/Ozark hiking, Wichita climbing, Lake Texoma (Arbuckle) boating.
• Oil/Gas: Anadarko Basin (Wichita/Arbuckle) — historic fields.

Flat enough for the wind to blow unimpeded; hilly enough to surprise you.