is rarely found atop the Arbuckle Mountains, the water seeps through fractures and planes of separation in the limestone bedrock, dissolving the rock to produce a network of caves and solution conduits throughout the limestone formations. Organizations such as the Arbuckle Karst Conservancy and Arbuckle Mountains Grotto of the National Speleological Society actively study the karst features of the Arbuckle Mountains to preserve the biological ecosystems and groundwater resources. The organizations currently maintain databases of more than 1,000 caves and springs in the Arbuckle Mountains. The Arbuckles have gradually eroded to their present heights of 300–500 feet above the surrounding terrain or 1300–1400 feet above sea level. Recreation and access The range is approximately east-to-west and 10–15 miles north-to-south. The main part of the range is located in northern Carter County and southern Murray County, approximately north of Ardmore and south of Davis, Oklahoma on Interstate 35. The eastern flank of the ridge is approximately south of Sulphur on U.S. Highway 177. Popular recreation areas in the Arbuckle Mountains include Turner Falls Park, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and Lake of the Arbuckles. Turner Falls is located south of Davis, whereas Chickasaw NRA is located in the city of Sulphur. The area is also the location of several campgrounds, including the YMCA's Camp Classen and the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma's Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center, which hosts 55,000 campers each summer. References Bibliography James S. Aber, Arbuckle Mountains, Oklahoma Robert W. Allen, 2002, Complex Structural Features of the Ardmore Basin USGS America's Volcanic Past: Oklahoma External links Arbuckle Mountains - Video footage of the area and a list of local activities and resources. Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture - Arbuckle Mountains Oklahoma Digital Map Collection at Oklahoma State University Mountain ranges of Oklahoma Landforms of Carter County, Oklahoma Landforms of Murray County, Oklahoma