Posted in Oklahoma Hiking, Nature March 16, 2022 by

9 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Oklahoma Should Take

One of the best ways to experience the great outdoors is hiking. It’s not only a great exercise, but it’s also a way to discover the beauty and ecosystems that exist in Oklahoma. Unless you’re an advanced hiker, a hike under 5 miles should be just perfect to get you on your way. Here are 9 of the best hikes in Oklahoma you should experience:

1. Bluff Creek Trail at Bluff Creek Park, Oklahoma City
Laura Heller/Flickr
Bluff Creek Trail, Oklahoma City, OK 73162, USA
Laura Heller/Flickr
Nature enthusiasts will love Bluff Creek Trail in Oklahoma City. The trail offers both dirt and paved sections. You can enjoy the ease of the 1-mile asphalt section or the 3.1 miles of dirt tracks. Either way, you'll love the hiking one of the best hikes in Oklahoma.
11301 N Meridian Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73120
2. Yellow Trail at Turkey Mountain, Tulsa
OakleyOriginals/Flickr
OakleyOriginals/Flickr
This 4.4-mile loop trail at Turkey Mountain is one of the most scenic hikes in Oklahoma. It is close to Tulsa and easily accessible. The hike takes about 2-3 hours on foot or about 45 minutes by bike. Enjoy stunning views of Tulsa and the Arkansas River while enjoying the easy hike in the hills of Turkey Mountain.
6800 S Elwood Ave, Tulsa, OK 74132
3. Charon's Garden Trail at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Indiahoma
US Fish & Wildlife Service/Flickr
Sarah Richter/Flickr
In southwestern Oklahoma, you'll discover some of Oklahoma's most beautiful scenery in the Wichita Mountains. Set out on the 2.4-mile trail (each way) of Charon's Garden to experience an intermediate to difficult hike. You'll encounter rocky, rugged terrain that will briefly slow your hike down until you enter back into more smooth trails.
Charon's Garden Trail, Indiahoma, OK 73552
4. The Rough Canyon Trail at Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton
James Breedlove/Flickr
Granger Meador/Flickr
Located in the San Bois Mountains in southeast Oklahoma, Robbers Cave State Park offers some of the best hiking in Oklahoma. The Rough Canyon Trail is a 2.9-mile loop that is not very strenuous, after an initial incline. The views of Rough Canyon and Fourche Maline Creek are favorite viewing areas along the hike.
4628 NW 1027th Ave, Wilburton, OK 74578
5. The Trail at Gloss Mountains, Fairview
Randy/Flickr
US-412, Fairview, OK 73737
Randy/Flickr
Hike to the top of the sparkly Gloss Mountains by the way of an easy 1.2-mile round trip hike. While at the top of the mesa, enjoy spectacular views of miles and miles of open terrain and the Cimarron River.
US-412, Fairview, OK 73737
6. Bugle Trail at Osage Hills State Park, Pawhuska
Granger Meador/Flickr
Granger Meador/Flickr
The Bugle is a 4-mile trail that covers a good portion of the Osage Hills State Park. Enjoy beautiful scenery as you enjoy bluff views, Sand Creek and Lookout Lake. The trail is moderately easy and should be great for most children and skill levels.
2131 Osage Hills, Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056
7. The Eagle Roost Nature Trail at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Jet
Leaflet/Wikimedia
Public Domain/Wikimedia
This easy, 1.2-mile loop trail inside Great Salt Plains will show off some of Oklahoma's most unique topography. The trail is almost all flat and along the way you'll pass by Sand Creek Bay - one of the best places on the hike for birdwatching.
71189 Harper Road, Jet, OK 73749
8. The Trails at Martin Nature Center, Oklahoma City
Brad Reefer/Flickr
5000 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142
Laura Heller/Flickr
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and head out to Martin Nature Center in Oklahoma City. The 140 acres are kid-friendly secluded among lush grassland, streams, beautiful foliage and more than three miles of the best hiking in Oklahoma.
9. Lakeview Lodge Trail at Beaver's Bend State Park, Broken Bow
Brad Koehn/Flickr
4350 S, OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728
Brad Koehn/Flickr
Inside Beaver's Bend State Park you'll find the 4-mile loop trail - Lakeview Lodge. The trail is made up of three loops, which range from beginner to intermediate. Loops 1 and 3 are both 4 miles long and Loop 2 is the shortest at 1.75 miles. The trails are clearly marked and easy to travel on. The beautiful, big pine trees and topography make this hike a favorite for all who visit Beaver's Bend.
4350 S, OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728

What is your favorite hike in Oklahoma under 5 miles?

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Oklahoma

March 21, 2022
Cadence Summers

What's the most beautiful hike in Oklahoma?

There are so many stunning hikes in Oklahoma but one of the most beautiful is the Charon’s Garden Trail.  Located within the nearly 60 thousand acres that make up the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, this trail offers hikers a unique and otherworldly hiking experience. The Charon's Garden Trail is a rocky, rugged trail that features huge granite boulders scattered around on the granite surface. Though this trail is popular, there are plenty of opportunities along the trail for solitude, inspiration, physical challenge, sightseeing, and renewal. Permits are not required for day hiking, but if you decide to extend your stay, be sure to apply for a permit.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma also has no shortage of beautiful lakes, but one of the most popular is Broken Bow Lake. This Reservoir stretches over 22 miles and spans many types of environments, with something to please everyone! One of the best trails to witness this beauty is the Lakeview Lodge Trail in Beavers Bend State Park. This beautiful trail takes an average of 1 h 35 min to complete and is a very popular area for camping, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and more. This trail gives hikers a taste of what the Broken Bow Landscape has to offer and gives hikers some gorgeous views of this massive lake. Though this trail is moderately challenging, it is accessible year-round. Leashed dogs are also welcome on this Lakeview Lodge Trail. 

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Oklahoma?

Some of the best family-friendly hikes in Oklahoma can be found in the Martin Park Nature Center. Located near Oklahoma City, this beautiful park offers guided hikes, education programs, and an interactive learning center that provides visitors a place to learn about nature and wildlife in a serene, suburban environment and is the perfect place for curious kids to learn about nature. The park offers 2.5 miles of wooded trails that are easy and are a great place to escape the heat during the warmer months.