Posted in Oklahoma February 21, 2018 by

This Easy Hike Proves That Oklahoma Is Home To Unrivaled Beauty

What’s the best way to truly appreciate Oklahoma’s natural beauty? Lace up your hiking boots and get out there! Here’s a short, easy trail that’s surrounded by stunning scenery.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is just east of Tulsa.
Google
Click here for the interactive map and directions.
The best way to explore this pretty nature preserve is by taking the one mile long hiking trail that takes you through several types of terrain, including lush forest, upland plains, and immense limestone bluffs.
Hans Owens/Alltrails
The trail starts right at the parking lot.
The trail is rough, but considered fairy easy for most hikers. You'll gain just 101 feet in elevation during your hike.
Nathan Feller/Alltrails
Some of the most difficult terrain on this trail is right at the beginning, when it climbs up a steep slope.
You'll soon come to a fork in the trail. Choose either direction; they'll both end up in the same spot.
Hans Owens/Alltrails
The Woodland Fork is forested and shady, and is very lush and green during summer months.
The Prairie Fork doesn't have many trees, but has plenty of interesting plants, and lots of cactus.
Kevin Bowles/Alltrails
This terrain is more typical of a dry prairie.
When the forks meet, you'll descend down into a ravine, which is very shady and cool.
Cindy Godfrey/Alltrails
The moisture here allows for very thick vegetation, including some beautiful ferns.
There are several caves in the ravine, and limestone cliffs with rough, rugged surfaces.
Shawn Reeder/Alltrails
These immense cliffs and their little caves and depressions are fun to explore, especially for kids.
Sue Dyroff/Alltrails
This hike is very kid-friendly, especially if your youngsters like to climb boulders.
In the spring, you'll likely see quite a few wildflowers while hiking this trail.
Brad Emmons/Alltraild
You'll definitely want to bring a camera along - this entire hike is very scenic.
Access to the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is free of charge.
Beth Weese/Alltrails
The preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday, and the gates are open from 8 AM to 5 PM. For more information, visit the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve’s website.

Have you visited the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve? Tell us about your experience there!

Here’s another hike in Oklahoma; this one takes you to the site of an old plane crash.