Hillside Springs - Sulphur, OK
N 34° 30.120 W 096° 58.275
14S E 686255 N 3819688
Hillside Springs is one of quite a few remaining springs within the boundaries of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur, OK.
Waymark Code: WMFZYH
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 12/25/2012
Views: 7
The springs are easy to find, simply by following the signs along US 177 through the park. There is a small parking lot here, and no fee is required for access. Do note, though, that the water here is beautiful but not drinkable. A sign near the spring, placed by the National Parks Service, says:
In 1906 Platt National Park had 33 mineral and fresh water springs. By 1939 the number had dropped to 19. Some springs dried up totally while others joined together. The water at Hillside Springs was a popular site for early visitors. Containing traces of arsenic, the water was once applied to faces and arms to lighten the skin. Today it is not safe to drink due to unknown sources of contamination.
Springs depend on rainfall to replenish the groundwater required for flow. The springs are also influenced by drought, contaminants, and changes by developments outside the park. The significant springs flowing today are Hillside, Black Sulphur, Pavilion, Antelope, and Buffalo Springs.
[Inset displaying old Hillside Pavilion, with text: Hillside Pavilion with park headquarters in the background, 1926. Second inset displays a guide to the area wells and springs, with text: Historic records indicate the location of some major springs. These are shown on the map below.]
Public or Private Land?: Public
Public Land Fees?: No fee
Private Land access?: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please post an original picture of the springs no GPS necessary along with your observations of the spring. What wildlife you saw if any and the condition of the springs. Water level was high, low. The area was clean, trashy ect. Any other knowledge or experiences you have had with this paticular spring that would help document it's history.