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 the best trails in Oklahoma all year long!
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.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, 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.
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.
Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, 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 is a gem in southeastern Oklahoma, comprised of 1,300 acres about 10 miles north of Broken Bow. The park boasts 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.
Beavers Bend State Park, 196 Stevens Gap Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728, 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.
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 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.
Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, OK-325, Kenton, OK 73946, 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.
Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, 116 Red Rock Canyon Rd, Hinton, OK 73047, 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.
Osage Hills State Park, 2131 Osage Hills, Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056, 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.
Turkey Mountain, Tulsa, OK 74132, USA
Which trail is your favorite? Are you ready for a year of scenic hikes in Oklahoma? If you have been on these or have others that you enjoy, 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. Check out this article on the Chickasaw National Recreation Area trail for more details.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Trails in Oklahoma
January 06, 2023
Katie Feldkamp
What are some of the best walking trails in Oklahoma?
Getting outside for a hike is one of the best things you can do for yourself, no matter your age or level of fitness. Here are some of the best walking trails in Oklahoma that are ready to be enjoyed by any and everyone:
What are some of the best trails in Oklahoma in the winter?
Don’t let the winter season scare you into staying indoors! Winter in the Sooner State is a peaceful time to be outside, and here are some of the best trails in Oklahoma for you to check out in the colder months:
Where are some hiking trails in Oklahoma with amazing destinations?
Sometimes the goal of a great hike is to reach a particular viewpoint. Here are some state parks with some of the best trails in Oklahoma that offer some amazing final destinations:
Natural Falls State Park in Colcord
Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Indiahoma
Red Rock Canyon State Park in Hinton
Beaver’s Bend State Park in Broken Bow
Osage Hills State Park in Pawhuska
Keep reading this article for more information on these and several other trails in Oklahoma with breathtaking final destinations.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 25 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't exploring Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beaches of California.
