12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Oklahoma, One For Each Month Of The Year
We are so lucky to have a variety of gorgeous trails in Oklahoma, along with one of the most diverse landscapes in the country, making for particularly amazing hiking. We compiled a list of the best scenic hikes to tackle throughout the year, one for each month, so you can explore Oklahoma all year long!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Robbers Cave State Park, 4628 NW 1027th Ave, Wilburton, OK 74578, USA
Robbers Cave has more than 12 miles of trails that wind you through caves, lakes, streams, and breathtaking scenery.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
The Antelope and Buffalo Springs trail is an easy 1.2-mile hike that starts at the Travertine Nature Center. Even if there is snow, it's a great hike to take in the cold months.
Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
If you're lucky enough to live in or near Oklahoma City, you can take the walking path right around Lake Hefner. We usually get a big snowstorm in March which makes it even more magical with the snow. This hike is a 9.4-mile, well-marked loop trail that is great for all skill levels.
Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA
The main attraction in the park and on the Dripping Springs Trail in Natural Falls is the spectacular 77-foot waterfall. You'll travel along a 1.3-mile hiking path until you reach this hidden oasis. It's one of the most spectacular places to see in Oklahoma.
Burns Lane, Burns Ln, Heavener, OK 74937, USA
As the weather starts to warm up, Heavener Runestone Park is a great place to hike because it provides a fair amount of shade. There are two short trails in the park -- Runestone Loop and Heavener Runestone Park Nature Trail -- both of which are under a half-mile in length.
Beavers Bend State Park, 196 Stevens Gap Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA
Beavers Bend State Park is a gem in southeastern Oklahoma, comprised of 1,300 acres about 10 miles north of Broken Bow. The park boasts of a postcard-like setting and is an outdoor oasis waiting to be discovered. There's an easy trek, two miles out and back, that's great for most skill levels. The scenery is breathtaking and follows a river with several cascades.
Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas 71965, USA
The Ouachita National Forest is one of Oklahoma's most breathtaking places to visit. This forest, which spans 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, is rife with opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, bird watching, horseback riding, and much more.
Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma 73507, USA
There are lots of hiking options in the Wichita Mountains, with hikes for all different levels. The Elk Mountain Trail is one of our favorites because it's the perfect distance for most hikers. This 2.2-mile trail is lightly trafficked and is surrounded by astounding beauty.
Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, OK-325, Kenton, OK 73946, USA
Black Mesa is the highest point in the state and many hikers find this trail to the top of the summit to be very easy. The most difficult aspect of the hike is the length, four miles to the top of Black Mesa and four miles back. Luckily, most of the trail is flat and well maintained.
Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, 116 Red Rock Canyon Rd, Hinton, OK 73047, USA
Located near Hinton in the west-central portion of the state, Red Rock Canyon is the place to go for epic hikes, rappelling, camping, and exploring the outdoors. The canyon hike at Red Rock is an unrivaled experience everyone should enjoy at least once. There are two nature trails in the park for easy walks or there is a third trail for a more strenuous hike.
Osage Hills State Park, 2131 Osage Hills, Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056, USA
The park is full of mature trees, picturesque scenery, rolling hills, and rocky bluffs. Hiking trails wind all throughout Osage Hills and take you to many of the bluffs that overlook the creeks below. The foliage is thick and lush and provides a vast amount of natural beauty. There are multiple trails within the park for all skill levels.
Turkey Mountain, Tulsa, OK 74132, USA
Overlooking the Arkansas River in Tulsa is Turkey Mountain, home to miles and miles of some of the best hiking in Tulsa. For a relatively easy hike, try out the Blue Trail, a 1.5-mile looped hike that passes by a lake and goes into the heart of Turkey Mountain.
Which trail is your favorite? Are you ready for a year of scenic hikes in Oklahoma? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
If you’re looking for an easy, beautiful hike in Oklahoma that the whole family will enjoy year-round, head down to Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Here, you’ll find a three-mile hike that will take you alongside jaw-dropping natural springs. It’s one of the most enchanting trails in the state. Click here for more details.
Address: Oklahoma, USA
Address: Burns Lane, Burns Ln, Heavener, OK 74937, USA
Address: Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Address: Beavers Bend State Park, 196 Stevens Gap Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA
Address: Robbers Cave State Park, 4628 NW 1027th Ave, Wilburton, OK 74578, USA
Address: Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA
Address: Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas 71965, USA
Address: Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Address: Osage Hills State Park, 2131 Osage Hills, Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056, USA
Address: Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, 116 Red Rock Canyon Rd, Hinton, OK 73047, USA
Address: Turkey Mountain, Tulsa, OK 74132, USA
Address: Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
Address: Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, OK-325, Kenton, OK 73946, USA
