Top Hiking Trails in OK!

Calling all hikers, the diverse Oklahoma landscape is calling your name; from the vast plains in the northwest, to the dense piney hills of the southeast, there's something for everyone. So lace up your boots, grab some water and a hat, and check out these top OK hiking trails:

Martin Park Nature Center & Trail

Oklahoma City visitors looking for a nice reprieve from the city, head on over to Martin Park Nature Center, a 140-acre urban park featuring three and a half miles of easy-going hiking trails. Even better, the park is brimming with wildlife, scenic sites like Spring Creek, and it’s great for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

Rock Creek Multi-Use Trails

One of the most beloved outdoor regions in the state, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is chock-full of trails, most notably, the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail, found only a short drive north of Madill and Thackerville. The trails range from 4.4 miles to half a mile, yielding excellent adventure within the natural beauty of southern OK’s Rock Creek Corridor.

Black Mesa Summit

Nestled along the OK-New Mexico border in the Panhandle region, the Black Mesa Summit trail climbs nearly 5,000 feet, eventually reaching the highest point in all of Oklahoma, offering some of the best sweeping views you'll find. Guymon visitors will find the eight-mile trail in Black Mesa State Park near Kenton.

Osage Hills State Park

Over in northeastern OK, Owasso and Stillwater visitors will find no shortage of vibrant plant life at Osage Hills State Park. The 1,000-acre park's three trails cut and crisscross the landscape, meeting sites like Sand Creek and Lookout Tower along the way.

Keystone Trail

Not far from there, just west of Tulsa, the Keystone Trail circles around Keystone Lake via four distinctively different loops. No matter which path you choose, you’ll find the panoramic views of the lake are some of the most impressive in the state.

Wichita Mountains

On the outskirts of Lawton, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to several of southwest OK’s most picturesque and challenging trails. Check out Elk Mountain Trail, a short, but difficult one-mile climb, or the Narrows Trail, which yields a terrific view after the 2.5-mile trek. Oh, and keep an eye out for Bison while exploring the Wichita Mountains – OK’s southwest prairies are chock-full of them.

Rough Canyon Trail

Navigate the thick forests of OK's southeastern Piney Hills while exploring the Rough Canyon Trail – a staple of Robbers Cave State Park. The nearly three-mile loop passes by scenic sites like Rough Canyon, Lost Lake, and Robbers Cave.

Turkey Mountain Yellow Trail

In Tulsa, the Turkey Mountain Yellow Trail offers a convenient, brisk four-mile hike running alongside the Arkansas River. The trail rolls through some terrain changes near the base of Turkey Mountain. If you have your four-legged friend in tow, even better, this trail is dog friendly.

Clear Bay Recreation Area Trail System

One of central OK’s most beloved urban trail systems, the Clear Bay Recreation Area offers nearly 20 miles of trails nestled alongside Lake Thunderbird in Norman. Four different loops feature impeccable views and unique adventures in and around Lake Thunderbird State Park.

Greenleaf State Park Trail System

Over near Muskogee, the Greenleaf State Park Trail System has something for everyone – children, casual hikers, and experts alike. Choose from three separate trails, and explore the deepest depths of the woods, or enjoy paved trails and the Arkansas River overlook.