This Might Be the Most Demanding Hike You Can Do in Oklahoma

As an overly cautious person, I take great care to prepare for strenuous hiking trails with drop-offs and steep sections. So, a hike like the Skyline Trail at Beavers Bend State Park is one I'd have to carefully plan for, making sure I have the right footwear, clothing, and plenty of water and supplies packed in my hiking backpack. Looking at a weather report before embarking on what many consider the most extreme hike in Oklahoma is also necessary. But if you're too afraid of or not physically able to tackle heights and steep inclines and can't overlook the challenges that come with the Skyline Trail, you might want to sit this one out.

Have you ever been hiking in the Oklahoma mountains? If you're up for a strenuous hike with unique challenges—steep inclines and declines, water crossings, and narrow sections—the Skyline Trail at Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow will reward you with stunning scenery and an adventure worth telling everyone about. Keep in mind, however, that it's one of the most challenging Oklahoma state park hikes.

Not only is the terrain challenging, but it's also a long one that can take up to 5 hours to complete—if you decide to complete the entire trail, that is. You can always hike a couple of miles and turn back instead of trekking the entire 8.6-mile loop with an overall elevation gain of 1,660 feet if you prefer.

Hiking in Beavers Bend State Park means hiking in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains, and the Skyline Trail will have you crossing through the waters of Mountain Fork River along the way. If there has been recent heavy rain, you shouldn't attempt this hike due to higher-than-normal water levels and other hazards. When on the trail, unmarked sections can get you lost, so make sure you have a trail map downloaded to your phone. The trail is also rocky and steep in some sections, so it's important to wear sturdy footwear. But if you're able to complete this hike, outstanding river and mountain views are your rewards, and those alone are worth the preparation and effort.

Visit AllTrails for the Skyline Trail hiking map. Keep in mind, too, you must pay a parking fee for Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow.

Hiking a trail like the Skyline Trail requires preparation and extra precautions due to its length and challenging terrain, including steep inclines, water crossings, and unmarked areas. Take a look at the Ultimate Hiking Packing List for suggestions on what to take, and download AllTrails+ to help navigate the trail.

For more adventures on the trails, take a look at our list of top-rated hiking trails in Oklahoma. From short and easy strolls to challenging treks, there's a trail on this list for nearly anyone. You can also plan your own Oklahoma hiking trip with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.