Hi there! As a seasoned hiker with a quirky sense of adventure, I’m excited to bring you my top 8 favorite hikes and trails near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, these trails have something for everyone. So grab your hiking boots and let’s go!
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Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers stunning views and a wide variety of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Bison Trail is a 2.9-mile loop that takes you through fields of wildflowers and past grazing bison. If you’re up for a challenge, try the Elk Mountain Trail, a steep 2.2-mile hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
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Lake Hefner Trail
The Lake Hefner Trail is a 9.1-mile paved loop around Lake Hefner, offering beautiful views of the water and city skyline. This trail is perfect for biking, walking, and jogging with plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle or two!
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Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area in Tulsa offers over 300 acres of trails and is perfect for hikers looking for a challenge. The Yellow Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that takes you up and down steep hills and through rocky terrain. For a longer hike, try the Blue Trail, a 6.5-mile loop that offers breathtaking views of the Arkansas River.
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Oklahoma River Trails
The Oklahoma River Trails offer over 13 miles of paved trails along the Oklahoma River, perfect for biking, walking, and running. The trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful views of the river and downtown Oklahoma City. For a longer hike, connect to the West River Trail or South River Trail for a total of 16.5 miles.
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Red Rock Canyon State Park
Red Rock Canyon State Park offers a unique hiking experience with stunning red rock formations and a variety of trails to choose from. The Rough Horsetail Nature Trail is a short and easy loop that takes you through a scenic canyon. For a more challenging hike, try the Caddo Maple Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that offers views of the canyon and surrounding landscape.
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Arcadia Lake Trail
The Arcadia Lake Trail is a 6.2-mile loop around the lake, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained and perfect for biking, walking, and running. There are also plenty of picnic areas and fishing spots along the way.
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Lake Stanley Draper Trail
The Lake Stanley Draper Trail is a 6.1-mile loop around the lake, offering scenic views and a challenging hike. The trail includes a mix of paved and unpaved sections, with some steep inclines and rugged terrain. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking boots!
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Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located near Sulphur, Oklahoma and offers a variety of hiking trails through beautiful natural landscapes and rocky terrain. The Bromide Hill Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that takes you up a steep hill for stunning views of the park. The Bison Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that takes you through grasslands and past grazing bison.
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a hiker’s paradise with trails for all skill levels.
The Lake Hefner Trail offers a scenic and leisurely hike around a beautiful lake.
The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is a great option for hikers seeking a rugged and challenging trail experience.
The Oklahoma River Trails offer a well-maintained and scenic hiking experience along the riverfront.
Red Rock Canyon State Park offers a unique and scenic hiking experience through beautiful red rock formations.
The Arcadia Lake Trail offers a leisurely hike around a beautiful lake with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery.
The Lake Stanley Draper Trail offers a challenging hike with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers a range of hiking trails through beautiful natural landscapes and rocky terrain.