Oklahoma
Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain
There are over 1,500 known hiking and trekking trails in Oklahoma
Most popular trails:
Friends Trail Loop (4.7 miles, moderate): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Turkey Mountain Via Yellow Trail (4.5 miles, moderate): This trail in Tulsa is a great option for a challenging hike with beautiful scenery.
Elk Mountain Trail (4.6 miles, moderate): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge takes hikers to the summit of Elk Mountain, the highest point in Oklahoma.
Bison Trail (4.6 miles, moderate): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see bison and other wildlife.
Skyline Trail (4.5 miles, hard): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding area.
Cedar Bluff Nature Trail (4.5 miles, moderate): This trail in Fort Gibson State Park is a great option for a family-friendly hike with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Best for certain activities:
Beavers Bend State Park (16 miles, easy): This park is a great place for swimming, fishing, and camping.
Robbers Cave State Park (12 miles, moderate): This park is known for its caves and rock formations.
Natural Falls State Park (8 miles, easy): This park is home to a 77-foot waterfall.
Roman Nose State Park (10 miles, moderate): This park has a variety of trails, including a scenic loop and a challenging mountain bike trail.
Ouachita National Forest (100+ miles, easy to hard): This forest has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area (70+ miles, easy to hard): This recreation area has trails that offer views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Most challenging trails:
Charon's Garden Trail (6.4 miles, hard): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is known for its steep climbs and narrow ridges.
Rough Mountain via Ouachita Trail (10.4 miles, hard): This trail in the Ouachita National Forest is a great option for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
Horse Thief Spring Trail (8.4 miles, hard): This trail in the Ouachita National Forest is known for its rugged terrain and beautiful scenery.
Boardstand Trail (7.4 miles, hard): This trail in the Ouachita National Forest is a great option for hikers looking for a remote and challenging experience.
Greenleaf Trail (11.4 miles, hard): This trail in the Ouachita National Forest is a great option for hikers looking for a long and challenging hike.
Cedar Lake Trail (9.4 miles, hard): This trail in the Ouachita National Forest is a great option for hikers looking for a challenging hike with beautiful scenery.
Most scenic trails:
Mount Scott (4.6 miles, easy): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Little Niagara Falls (2.2 miles, easy): This trail in the Arbuckle Mountains offers a short and easy hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Sycamore Falls (3.6 miles, easy): This trail in the Ouachita National Forest offers a moderate hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Mount Airy (4.6 miles, easy): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Bat Cave Mountain (4.6 miles, easy): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge takes hikers to a cave that is home to a colony of bats.
Snake Mountain (4.6 miles, easy): This trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Most family-friendly trails:
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness (4.5 miles, easy): This trail system in Tulsa is a great option for families with young children.
Lake Hefner Park (4.5 miles, easy): This park in Oklahoma City has a variety of trails that are perfect for families.
Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge (4.5 miles, easy): This refuge in Norman has a variety of trails that are perfect for families.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area (70+ miles, easy to hard): This recreation area has a variety of trails that are suitable for all levels of hikers, from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
Most accessible trails:
Bert Cooper Trails in Sequoyah State Park (9.1 miles, paved): This trail system is ADA accessible and offers a variety of terrain, including hills, valleys, and forests.
Bricktown Canal Trail in Oklahoma City (2 miles, paved): This trail is a great option for a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Oklahoma River.
Creek Turnpike Trail in Oklahoma City (4.1 miles, paved): This trail is a great option for a scenic bike ride or hike with views of the Oklahoma City skyline.
Jenks Aquarium Trail in Jenks (2.25 miles, paved): This trail is a great option for families with young children as it winds through a botanical garden and ends at the Jenks Aquarium.
Katy Trail in Oklahoma City (6.3 miles, paved): This trail is a great option for a scenic bike ride or hike with views of downtown Oklahoma City.
Lake Overholser East Trail in Oklahoma City (2.5 miles, paved): This trail is a great option for a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the shores of Lake Overholser.
Where to get permits for trails:
Oklahoma State Parks: You can get permits at the park office or online.(405) 522-3968. You can also call the toll-free number at (800) 652-6552.
National Forests: You can get permits at the ranger station or online.
Wildlife Refuges: You can get permits at the refuge headquarters or online.
