When you want to get out and explore in the Sooner State, there are countless destinations just waiting for you. I particularly love to visit state parks but some of these places can draw quite a crowd. Fortunately, many of Oklahoma's state parks boast hidden gems — like hiking trails that are lesser known and have very light traffic. One of these gems is the Ranger Trail found at Keystone State Park. This hike is easy, short, and quite beautiful. Plus, it’s one route that not very many people know about. You likely won’t encounter any crowds on this adventure.

Keystone State Park is located just west of Tulsa and is a fabulous outdoor destination for the entire family. Here, you can spend time on the water, fishing or swimming. There are lots of ATV trails for exploring and you can’t forget about the three campsites that are perfect for overnight adventures.

This state park is also home to some incredible hiking trails, some more popular than others. One that is lesser known and lightly trafficked is the Ranger Trail. This is a 1.3-mile loop trail that is perfect for an afternoon adventure with hikers of all ages.

You will find this trailhead across the street from the Keystone State Park General Store. This is a great place to park the car, lace up those hiking shoes, and get ready for a scenic adventure. Despite the shorter distance of this trail, make sure you have plenty of water and sun protection.

The Ranger Trail is not a strenuous and difficult hike. In fact, you may find it is more of a stroll. It’s perfect for walking through some of Mother Nature’s creations. This is a fantastic destination for birding as well as spotting wildlife like turtles. 

The trail is easy to follow and well maintained. You don’t need to worry about becoming lost on this hike. Plus, it is scenic almost every step of the way. Portions of this trail are surrounded by trees and greenery. You will also walk next to a small pond and cross creeks. It may not be the most eventful and feature-filled hiking trail in Oklahoma but it’s perfect for time outdoors.

And while we particularly love the beauty found along this trail, we also love that it is a delightful destination where you can enjoy a little quiet and peace. The Ranger Trail is like a secret that you just can’t seem to keep to yourself.

Have you ever hiked the Ranger Trail in Keystone State Park? If so, what was your experience like? You can learn more about this trail and read hiker reviews by visiting AllTrails. And if you are looking for even more of the best hikes in Oklahoma, check out our list featuring several hikes that are each three miles or less.