If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure however don’t want to go too far from Tulsa, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great hiking trails to explore. Whether you’re in search of a challenging hike or an easy nature walk, there’s one thing for everybody. Here are a number of the greatest hiking trails near Tulsa.
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Nature Trails Near Tulsa
The Northeast a part of Oklahoma, beginning near Tulsa, is called Green Country. This space is known as Green Country for the rolling hills, lovely hardwood timber, hidden bluffs, and tucked-away rock outcroppings. There are incredible places to discover off the overwhelmed path.
If you are on the lookout for outdoor adventures, you’re in the best place. You don’t should travel far to get out in nature. Keep studying to find the most effective hiking trails within the space.
Skull Hollow Nature TrailWe have rounded up a variety of the greatest hikes in Oklahoma close to Tulsa to share with you. All of the paths below make for wonderful day hikes and half-day adventures. Continue reading to find one of the best hiking spots near Tulsa.
1. Keystone Singletrack (Big Loop) Trail
* Location: Near Keystone Lake in Mannford, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: four.2-miles
* Time: ~ 2 hours
* Parking: Parking lot, right off the freeway, a lot of space
* Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
* Cost: Free
* Restrooms: None
Big Loop TrailHiking Keystone (Big Loop) Trail
Close to Keystone Lake State Park, the Keystone Singletrack (Big Loop) Trail is an pleasant hike minutes from downtown Tulsa. This is a beautiful hike near town if you need to get outdoor for some contemporary air and a change of scenery.
The trail meanders by way of rolling hills and dense woods, along with scattered rock outcroppings. One of the rock outcroppings is called Dragon’s Spine. There are a few trickling stream crossings to hop across.
The trail is marked with blue spray paint or blue arrows. The path loops back towards the Arkansas River to the top of a hill, the place you’ll be greeted with views of the Arkansas River.
There is average site visitors, together with hikers, mountain bikers, and dirt bikers. Overall it is a quiet and peaceful hike near Tulsa.
2. Keystone Ancient Forest Trails in Keystone State Park
* Location: Keystone State Park near Sand Springs, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: Multiple trails
* Time: ~ 2-3 hours
* Parking: Yes, parking zone with a lot of house
* Dog Friendly: Yes, however only on the 1st Saturday and third Sunday of each month
* Cost: Free
* Restroom: Yes, inside of gorgeous new customer heart
* Hours: Open Thursdays from 7 am – 2 pm and Friday through Sunday 7 am – 6 pm
Hiking in Keystone Ancient Forest near Tulsa
The Keystone Ancient Forest is situated about 20 minutes west of Tulsa. The space has reasonable visitors, is well maintained, has an attractive new customer middle, and the paths are all well-marked.
There are multiple trails to hike within the nature preserve.
Enjoy strolling the next trails by way of the forest:
* Fire Road – 0.8 mile a technique
* Childers Trail – 6/10 mile loop + handicap accessible
* Frank Trail – 1.four miles a method – add on to the large loop
* Less Traveled Trail – 4.1 miles a method (this is the primary huge loop)
* Wilson Trail – 1.zero mile a technique
* Falls Trail – 3.5 miles one way
Hiking Less Traveled Trail in Keystone Ancient Forest
The major Keystone Ancient Forest Loop is called the Less Traveled Trail. This trail wanders through the woods, a half of it’s graveled, and part is simply dust. Overall, the trail is open and simple to follow.
Hiking the Keystone Ancient Forest Loop Trail makes for the right morning or afternoon adventure!
The Keystone Ancient Forest is house to 500-year-old Cedars and 300-year-old Post Oak trees. This forest is listed as a nature preserve with The Nature Conservancy.
Hiking in the Keystone Ancient Forest is considered one of our favourite places near Tulsa!
3. Bixhoma Lake Loop Trail
* Location: Bixhoma Lake near Bixby, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: three.3-miles
* Time: ~ 1 ½ – 2 hours
* Parking: Plentiful areas to park across the lake
* Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
* Cost: Free
* Restrooms: Portable bathroom
Looking over Lake BixhomaArmadillo along trail
Lake Bixhoma is forty minutes from downtown Tulsa near Bixby, Oklahoma. It is one of the most remarkable trails to hike near town. The space will get rural fairly quick on Leonard Mountain, making the hike around Bixhoma Lake one of the Tulsa area’s best hikes.
Hike the Bixhoma Lake Loop counterclockwise or clockwise – you select. Stop and see the waterfalls on the finish of your loop downstream of the dam.
The trail follows a dust street a few of the means around the lake, then tapers into a single track by way of the trees. There is one stream crossing on the south side of the lake, which feeds the reservoir. The stream crossing consists of enormous rocks to skip across.
There was little foot visitors during the hike, but we may tell the trail is used. The leaves overlaying the path have been trampled, making the trail straightforward to observe.
Highlights of the Bixhoma Lake Loop Trail embody breathtaking views of the lake, a quiet nature feel, and armadillos roaming the woods.
Towards the northern part of the lake, a goat and donkey grazing restoration project is underway, so that you might even meet some furry friends!
Enjoy the hike, views, and tranquility in Oklahoma Green Country. This is probably certainly one of the finest hikes near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
4. Sawtooth Loop Trail Part of Claremore Mountain Bike Trail System
* Location: Near Claremore, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: 2.1-miles
* Time: ~ 1 ½ hours
* Parking: Parking lot on the east aspect of Claremore Lake off of E 470 Road (Lake Road)
* Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
* Cost: Free
* Restrooms: Portable lavatory
Claremore Mountain Bike TrailSawtooth Loop Trail boardwalk
Located 35 minutes from downtown Tulsa, the Claremore Mountain Bike Trail System is a neighborhood hidden gem. Tucked within the woods towards Claremore Lake, the community has constructed an excellent trail system for hikers and bikers.
Sawtooth Loop Trail is a straightforward loop to stroll and luxuriate in. There are multiple loops to trek or bike. The trails are marked by red, yellow, purple, and blue colours. After hiking, drive round Claremore Lake for extra views and maybe a picnic.
From Tulsa, you’ll find a way to choose to drive Route 66 to Claremore for the extra historic scenic route. Be positive to stop at the Blue Whale, a darling roadside attraction. Claremore Lake is simply to the east, a little means off Route sixty six.
5. Dripping Springs Trail in Natural Falls State Park
* Location: Natural Falls State Park near Colcord, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Moderate as a end result of steep downhill/uphill + some stairs
* Distance: 1 mile loop
* Time: ~ about an hour
* Parking: Plentiful parking at the state park
* Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
* Cost: $10 Entrance Fee
* Restrooms: Yes
Dripping Springs waterfallNatural Falls State Park
Natural Falls State Park is positioned about 1 hour and quarter-hour east of Tulsa near the Oklahoma and Arkansas border. Visiting the park makes for a wonderful weekend day trip.
Hike the Dripping Springs Trail, Oklahoma’s famous 77′ waterfall. Some of the trail is paved, there are stairs, after which you’ll wander a single filth track to a small lake beneath the bluffs.
The Dripping Springs waterfall was featured in the film Where the Red Fern Grows, based on Wilson Rawls’ novel.
After your hike, head on to Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to have lunch. Siloam Springs is a cute town.
Related Road Trips from Tulsa Guides:
6. Red Bud Valley Oxley Nature Preserve – Main Trail to the Bluff Trail
* Location: Catoosa, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy to reasonably difficult
* Distance: about 1.2-miles (there are a few trails to explore when you select a unique route)
* Time: ~ 1 hour
* Parking: Plentiful contained in the park or alongside the county highway
* Dog Friendly: No pets
* Cost: Free
* Restrooms: Yes
* Hours: Saturday-Sunday eight am to five pm
Redbud Valley entranceHiking Bluff Trail
The Red Bud Valley Oxley Nature Preserve is located roughly half-hour northeast of Tulsa. This Nature Preserve is part of The Nature Conservancy.
Start the hike on the primary trail near the parking area. You will wander uphill via the Oak and Hickory trees. The trail will fork after some time, and you may choose to journey alongside the Bluff Trail. We highly recommend hiking along the Bluff Trail.
The Bluff Trail will get extra rugged, and you want to watch your step. You’ll hike alongside a limestone ridge with rock outcroppings, a cave, and a trickling stream earlier than going back downhill toward the parking zone. Watch your step and have enjoyable.
Since the Red Bud Valley Oxley Nature Preserve is only open on weekends, it gets a decent variety of guests. The trails have reasonable traffic.
7. Prairie Earth Trail in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
* Location: Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: 2.9-miles
* Time: ~ 1 ½ hours
* Parking: Parking area and trail signage near the customer heart
* Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
* Cost: Free
* Restroom: Yes, at the customer heart
Tallgrass PrairiePrairie Earth Trail
The Prairie Earth Trail is roughly 1 hour and forty five minutes north of Tulsa. Don’t let the proximity from Tulsa detour you. It is certainly one of the finest hiking trails.
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the most important tallgrass prairie in the world and is home to over 2,500 free-ranging buffalo. While driving to the trailhead, which is near the visitor center, maintain your eyes peeled for buffalos.
You’ll see the trail sign once you get close to the visitor heart. Start on the Nature Trail, then the trail branches to trek additional along the Prairie Earth Trail.
You’ll wander through the huge open tallgrass prairie; then, the trail will take you again into the timber near Sand Creek. Enjoy wide-open areas with views for miles. The prairie is incredibly breathtaking and remarkable for strolling meditation and clearing the mind.
The Tallgrass Prairie is a part of The Nature Conservancy.
eight. Sand Creek Falls (Osage Hills Falls) Trail in Osage Hills State Park
* Location: Between Pawhuska and Bartlesville, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: 0.5 mile out and back – or you presumably can loop for roughly a mile
* Time: ~ 30 minutes out and back – or you can even make a loop for 1 hour
* Parking: Plentiful, trailhead by the swimming pool near the south end of the park
* Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
* Cost: $10 pay there, $8 for Oklahoma residents
* Restrooms: Yes
Trail signOsage Hills Falls
From Tulsa, head north in the path of Bartlesville. The drive will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to Osage Hills State Park.
To hike to the falls, park near the swimming pool in Osage Hills State Park. The trail sign is right behind the parking area. For a short hike, you’ll walk toward the water to see the famous falls.
Depending on the time of year you hike, you could or might not have the power to see the falls. We hiked in mid-March after a giant rainstorm, and the falls have been pretty washed out.
In case the falls are washed out, there are a couple of other trails to explore in the area with neat rock outcroppings. Don’t miss the cliff views from the group camp bunkhouses.
The state park has quite a couple of hiking trails to explore. You may also benefit from the Osage Hills Red Trail, Osage Hills Lake Trail, and the hiking loops around the campgrounds.
Pack a sack lunch, benefit from the park, then head to downtown Pawhuska or Bartlesville to discover the historic main streets! We simply adore each of these towns!
> If you head into Pawhuska, remember to cease at The Pioneer Woman’s well-known Mercantile. The Merc is a cult favourite stuffed with southern small city charm!
9. Skull Hollow Nature Trail
* Location: Oologah Lake, near Claremore Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: 1.2-miles
* Time: ~ 1.5-2 hours if you’re stopping to enjoy the lake views
* Parking: Plentiful
* Dog Friendly: Yes, leash requirement
* Cost: Free
* Restroom: Yes
Skull Hollow TrailLooking over Oologah Lake
The Skull Hollow Nature Trail is tucked next to Oologah Lake. From Tulsa, it takes roughly 30 minutes to drive to the trailhead. There is plentiful parking earlier than the trailhead.
The Skull Hollow Nature Trail is well-marked with roadside markers, and the beginning of the path is marked with a rustic wooden sign.
Along the trail, you’ll wander through the woods before coming to the first rock outcropping and tree clearing with unimaginable views of Oologah Lake. Stop, have a snack, and benefit from the beautiful lake views.
Continue trekking the loop (you’ll see a trail marker that says Long Loop), which wanders alongside the Oologah Lake shoreline.
Along the trail, wooden indicators point out the several sorts of native trees, similar to Mockernut Hickory, Sugar Maple, and Black Walnut. Keep your eyes peeled for armadillo!
The Skull Hollow Nature Trail is certainly one of our favourite trails to hike near Tulsa. It is quiet and full of lovely lake views.
10. Mary K Oxley Nature Center Loop in Mohawk Park
* Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: 2.6-miles
* Time: ~ 1.5 hours
* Parking: Yes, a lot
* Dog Friendly: No
* Cost: Free
* Restrooms: Yes
* Hiking Trails Hours: Park open daily from 7 am to 9 pm
Mary K Oxley Nature Center Trail
The Mary K Oxley Nature Center Loop is situated close to Tulsa on the north aspect of city. Hiking trails are accessible from Mohawk Park day by day from 7 am to 9 pm. There are a few hiking trails to choose from apart from the Loop Trail.
To do the Loop Trail, begin on the Coyote Trail or Meadow Trail. You’ll loop towards the lake. This is a beautiful trail system that meanders through the Oklahoma woods. Keep your eyes peeled for the next trail sign to select your journey.
Be certain to examine out the Mary K Oxley Nature Center map before you go and choose your hiking route.
We love the Oxley Nature Center because it offers glorious nature walking trails near Tulsa. Lake Sherry is also a quiet place to watch for birds.
eleven. Tulsa River Parks Trail System
* Location: Midtown Tulsa, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy
* Distance: 26-miles of asphalt trails
* Time: ~ you possibly can choose your journey
* Parking: Multiple places – try the Tulsa River Park Trail map
* Dog Friendly: Yes
* Cost: Free
* Restrooms: Yes
River Trail in WinterTulsa River Park Trail Spring
One of the community’s prized gems, the Tulsa River Parks Trail system presents 26-miles of paved asphalt trails along the Arkansas River. The Tulsa River Park system supplies a few of the best walking trails in Tulsa.
Hike, run, walk, or bike alongside this beautiful system of trails with ample opportunities to see wildlife, bird-watch, get contemporary air, benefit from the gardens, and expertise the Gathering Place.
Close to midtown, you don’t should go far to the city’s best place for out of doors recreation.
Head to Tulsa River Parks before or after work, on the weekend, or if you’re just passing via.
12. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area Trail System
* Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
* Difficulty: Easy to tough – select your journey
* Distance: 45-miles of filth trails
* Time: ~ Choose your adventure
* Parking: Yes, a lot
* Dog Friendly: Yes
* Cost: Free
* Restrooms: Yes
Turkey Mountain trail system
If you’re in search of a spot to hike in Tulsa, the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is ideal.
With roughly 45-miles of dust trails, Turkey Mountain has a few of the finest hiking trails near Tulsa. The Wilderness Area consists of over 300 acres located close to downtown Tulsa.
Choose to hike the Red Trail (0.8-mile loop), Blue Trail (1.5-mile loop), Yellow Trail (4.4-mile loop), or paved trail, which connects to the Tulsa River Parks Trail System. The space also permits mountain biking.
Check out the Turkey Mountain Hiking Trail map to plan your journey. This is an attractive area to get outdoors proper in Tulsa and get out for a day outing.
The trails are accessible year-round making it a perfect escape from metropolis life. You also can mountain bike right here.
12 Best Hiking Trails Near Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa River Parks West TrailBelow is a fast abstract of some of the best hikes near Tulsa, in case you just wished to skip by way of the article!
1. Keystone Singletrack (Big Loop) Trail
2. Keystone Ancient Forest Trail
three. Bixhoma Lake Loop Trail
four. Sawtooth Loop Trail Part of Claremore Mountain Bike Trail System
5. Dripping Springs Trail in Natural Falls State Park
6. Red Bud Valley Oxley Nature Preserve – Main Trail to the Bluff Trail
7. Prairie Earth Trail in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
eight. Sand Creek Falls (Osage Hills Falls) Trail in Osage Hills State Park
9. Skull Hollow Nature Trail
10. Mary K Oxley Nature Center Loop in Mohawk Park
eleven. Tulsa River Parks Trail System
12. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area Trail System
> Psssst… We recently did an epic hike to dramatic cliffs at Lake Tenkiller. It is doubtless certainly one of the greatest hikes near Tulsa (only an hour and 20 minutes away). Check out tips on how to hike the Burnt Cabin Trail at Lake Tenkiller!
Hiking in OklahomaThe finest time of yr to hike in Oklahoma is unquestionably outdoors of the new summer season months. The weather is beautiful and never humid from October through May. There are fewer bugs, and the trees and brush aren’t as dense. Spring, fall, and winter make for the most effective times of the yr to discover the hiking trails near Tulsa.
> Hiking tip: We like to use the AllTrails app to see the trail maps for hikes.
Oklahoma Hiking Nature Facts
Mary K Oxley Nature CenterWhile hiking, do you enjoy viewing wildlife and birds and identifying the local trees? If so, under is a little more data on the wildlife, birds, and timber to maintain your eyes peeled for while hiking.
Common Animals While Hiking in Oklahoma
While hiking, hold your eyes peeled for recognizing the next animals:
* White-tailed Deer
* Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel
* Raccoon
* Beaver
* Striped skunk
* Bobcat
* Armadillos
Birds While Hiking in Oklahoma
We love bird-watching whereas we are hiking! While you’re out on the paths, you might be thinking about expecting the next birds:
* Dark-eyed Junco
* Goldfinch
* Mockingbird
* Carolina Wren
* Cardinal
* Blue-Jay
* Tufted Titmouse
* Chickadee
* Scissortail Flycatcher
* Purple Martin
We enjoy having guidebooks to search for completely different species of plants and animals whereas we hike!
Trees While Hiking Near Tulsa, Oklahoma
The beautiful hardwood bushes are a part of what makes hiking near Tulsa so awesome.
Below is a common list of species you’ll see along your adventures.
* Post Oak
* Sycamore
* Hackberry
* Cottonwood
* Redbud
* Red Cedar
* American Elm
* Black Hickory
* Blackjack Oak
Hiking Gear Recommendations
Hiking near TulsaBelow are objects we always take hiking and highly advocate:
Women’s Hiking Boot