3 Secret Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Oklahoma’s Sequoyah State Park

With over 200 miles of shoreline along Fort Gibson Lake, it’s easy to find hidden spots in Sequoyah State Park. Still, most visitors come here to luxuriate in the amenities at this popular resort-style destination near Hulbert, Oklahoma. The park boasts a 104-room lodge, a swimming pool, a golf course, a marina, endless water activities, horse stables, and more. But the quiet overlook at the water’s edge, or the secluded nature trails winding through the peaceful woodlands, might be at the bottom of your list. That’s where I come in! 

Here are some of the secret places in Sequoyah State Park that might surprise you. You can even hunt for fossils, too. 

1. Fort Gibson Lake Viewpoint/Inspiration Point

The Fort Gibson Lake Viewpoint trail begins near the lodge, but most visitors miss it. An easy half-mile walk along the paved pathway past Inspiration Point gets you down to the shore of Fort Gibson Lake. This is my pick for the place to watch the sunrise before the park wakes up, or to unwind at the end of the day and watch the sky change colors. If you’re lucky, you can even see migratory birds playing along the shoreline. 

This quiet spot will feel secluded from the rest of the park, so you could easily sit here and allow time to slowly drift by. And since this trail is not on many visitors' radars, you could very well have this beautiful scenery all to yourself. I consider that a win! 

2. Marine Life Fossils from Millions of Years Ago

As one of the shortest trails in the park, the Fossil Trail can be easily overlooked. Some of you may have hiked the trail before, but did you spend time checking out the rocky edges near the water? There are so many marine life fossils here that date back more than 300 million years. You could easily turn this leisure hike into a treasure hunt for fossils in the rocks if you pay close attention. As you start discovering the fossils, you’ll soon realize that you’re walking along the same path as prehistoric sea creatures. 

Although the trail is easy, with little to no elevation gain, I would wear sturdy shoes. You’ll encounter rocky sections and scrambling when you’re searching for the fossils. The lake views will be the added bonus for you. In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Sequoyah State Park. 

3. A Historic Gravesite

Many hikers will skip the Three Forks Nature Center Northwest Loop, and I understand why. Starting at the nature center, sections of the trail aren’t well-marked, and it can get confusing, especially since the route connects to other trails inside the park. But with a little sense for adventure, you’ll come across some spots in the park that fly under the radar for most park-goers. 

Here, there is a historic Native American burial site of Ka-Tee Cockrum that dates back to the late 19th century. If you love diving into Oklahoma’s past, you’ll want to see this sacred site and read all about it. The trail also connects with the Eagle Roost and the Bluebird Trail, so if you’re a birdwatcher, this five-mile trail will be right up your alley. I would recommend this for little kids since it combines nature and history into one. 

Why These Hidden Gems in Sequoyah State Park Are Worth Finding

If you like venturing off on your own to discover something new or to find a scenic spot to sit, Sequoyah State Park will check those boxes for you. Hunting for hidden bones left from millions of years ago along the Fossil Trail is an adventure on its own. The views from the overlooks are worth the calm that you’ll feel just by sitting at the water’s edge for a few minutes. Plus, the gravesite is a way to connect to Oklahoma’s past. 

Sure, the park is jam-packed with activities that you can do when you’re ready. Finding these lesser-known places will be the memories you’ll walk away with. It’s all about living in these quiet, peaceful moments.  

Best Time to Visit These Hidden Spots in Sequoyah State Park

Planning is everything when visiting the state parks in Oklahoma, and Sequoyah is no different. Since the park is known for its water activities, it will be crowded with vacationers in the summer. The lake will be buzzing with boaters, paddlers, and swimmers. For a more peaceful time here, visit in late spring and fall when school is in session. Not only will the trails be quieter (and even empty), but the weather will be nice enough to spend longer hours discovering more hidden spots in Sequoyah State Park. 

As you can see, Sequoyah State Park has more to offer than its water activities and resort-style amenities. To say this park is a rare gem is an understatement. This destination is where nature and history collide in the best way — and the views of the lake make the trip here worth it. While you’re here, be sure to respect the rules of the park and leave everything as you found it. 

Check out the Sequoyah State Park website when you’re ready to plan your visit. Who knows, you may even come across your very own secret spots at this Oklahoma state park.