There’s an incredible amount of beauty tucked away in the Sooner State, and one of the best ways to explore it is by hiking. From hills and mountains to waterfalls and rivers, you’ll discover amazing final destinations on these 10 trails in Oklahoma. Here’s a glimpse of the incredible natural beauty that awaits you:
- Robbers Cave State Park - 4575 Northwest 1024th Avenue, Wilburton
OakleyOriginals/Flickr If you’re looking for an easy hike to aboveground caves, head to Robbers Cave State Park in the San Bois Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. Robbers Cave has over 12 miles of trails that wind you through caves, lakes, streams and breathtaking scenery. For a moderate trail, try the 2.9 mile loop that swings you by Lost Lake and close to Cave Trail to visit the parks famous caves.
- Natural Falls State Park - Highway 412 West, Colcord
stormdriventitan/Flickr From gorgeous waterfalls to lush greenery to scenic forests, this park in Oklahoma may feel more like a scene from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe than the Sooner State. The main attraction on the Dripping Springs Trail is the spectacular 77 ft. 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.
- Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge - 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma
alltrails.com One of the most beautiful places in the state – the Wichita Mountains – has a hiking trail hiding deep within the mountains that will transport you to another world. 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.
- Red Rock Canyon State Park - 116 Red Rock Canyon Road, Hinton
Granger Meador/Flickr Red Rock Canyon State Park is one of Oklahoma’s crown jewels for outdoor enthusiasts. Located near Hinton, Oklahoma 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.
- Black Mesa State Park - OK-325, Kenton
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr There is one trek in Oklahoma that will take you where no other hike can take you – to the highest point in the state – atop Black Mesa in the northwestern Panhandle section of Oklahoma. The trail will take you 4,987 ft. above sea level and is surrounded by sweeping views of some of the most unusual topography in the state. The hike to the top of Black Mesa is 4.2 miles each way and is considered a moderately strenuous hike.
- Beaver’s Bend State Park - 4350 South Highway 259A, Broken Bow
TrishZatx/Flickr 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, 2 miles out and back, and is great for most skill levels. The scenery is breathtaking and follows a river with several cascades.
- Osage Hills State Park - 2131 Park Road, Pawhuska
Michael Wallace/Flickr Osage Hills State Park was established in 1935 and was one of the seven original parks in Oklahoma. It’s 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.
- Roman Nose State Park - 3236 OK-8A, Watonga
Granger Meador/Flickr As one of the original seven state parks in Oklahoma, Roman Nose State Park is a hidden gem in Watonga. The park offers captivating canyon views, hidden waterfalls, hiking trails, a beautiful lodge and many outdoor activities. Check out the Roman Nose Trail - a set of diverse trails that will take you on a 7-mile loop along gorgeous natural springs and lots of cacti. Make sure you stop by Inspiration Point and enjoy the eye catching views in every direction.
- Arbuckle Mountains - South-Central Oklahoma
adventureroad.com The Arbuckle Mountains are an ancient range that features rolling hills, waterfalls, creeks, lakes, caves, hiking trails and stunning beauty. This majestic mountain range is located in the south-central portion of the state and stretches 35 miles east-to-west. There’s a hiking trail around Turner Falls that is a 3.5-mile loop that is heavily trafficked. The trail is considered a moderate level and is accessible year-round.
- Ouachita National Forest - 52175 Highway 59, Hodgen
Ken Lund/Flickr Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the Ouachita National Forest is one of Oklahoma’s most breathtaking places to visit. The Kerr Arboretum and Botanical Area is open for hiking, sightseeing, bird watching, horse back riding and much more. The total trail within the forest spans 192 miles, but you can catch several short arms of it from the Kerr Nature Center.
Check out these other great hiking trails in Oklahoma. They are all fabulous!
OakleyOriginals/Flickr
If you’re looking for an easy hike to aboveground caves, head to Robbers Cave State Park in the San Bois Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. Robbers Cave has over 12 miles of trails that wind you through caves, lakes, streams and breathtaking scenery. For a moderate trail, try the 2.9 mile loop that swings you by Lost Lake and close to Cave Trail to visit the parks famous caves.
stormdriventitan/Flickr
From gorgeous waterfalls to lush greenery to scenic forests, this park in Oklahoma may feel more like a scene from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe than the Sooner State. The main attraction on the Dripping Springs Trail is the spectacular 77 ft. 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.
alltrails.com
One of the most beautiful places in the state – the Wichita Mountains – has a hiking trail hiding deep within the mountains that will transport you to another world. 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.
Granger Meador/Flickr
Red Rock Canyon State Park is one of Oklahoma’s crown jewels for outdoor enthusiasts. Located near Hinton, Oklahoma 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.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
There is one trek in Oklahoma that will take you where no other hike can take you – to the highest point in the state – atop Black Mesa in the northwestern Panhandle section of Oklahoma. The trail will take you 4,987 ft. above sea level and is surrounded by sweeping views of some of the most unusual topography in the state. The hike to the top of Black Mesa is 4.2 miles each way and is considered a moderately strenuous hike.
TrishZatx/Flickr
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, 2 miles out and back, and is great for most skill levels. The scenery is breathtaking and follows a river with several cascades.
Michael Wallace/Flickr
Osage Hills State Park was established in 1935 and was one of the seven original parks in Oklahoma. It’s 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.
As one of the original seven state parks in Oklahoma, Roman Nose State Park is a hidden gem in Watonga. The park offers captivating canyon views, hidden waterfalls, hiking trails, a beautiful lodge and many outdoor activities. Check out the Roman Nose Trail - a set of diverse trails that will take you on a 7-mile loop along gorgeous natural springs and lots of cacti. Make sure you stop by Inspiration Point and enjoy the eye catching views in every direction.
adventureroad.com
The Arbuckle Mountains are an ancient range that features rolling hills, waterfalls, creeks, lakes, caves, hiking trails and stunning beauty. This majestic mountain range is located in the south-central portion of the state and stretches 35 miles east-to-west. There’s a hiking trail around Turner Falls that is a 3.5-mile loop that is heavily trafficked. The trail is considered a moderate level and is accessible year-round.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the Ouachita National Forest is one of Oklahoma’s most breathtaking places to visit. The Kerr Arboretum and Botanical Area is open for hiking, sightseeing, bird watching, horse back riding and much more. The total trail within the forest spans 192 miles, but you can catch several short arms of it from the Kerr Nature Center.
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