Now that the holidays have passed and life has slowed down, it’s a great time to reflect on the year ahead. One of the best ways to do this is to spend some time in nature. Check out these 7 cool and calming hikes in Oklahoma that will help you relax and look at the year in front of you.
- Beavers Bend State Park (Beaver Lodge Nature Trail) - 4350 S, OK-259A, Broken Bow
TravelOK/Facebook 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. The Beaver Lodge Nature Trail is an easy trek, 2 miles out and back, that is great for most skill levels. The scenery is breathtaking and follows a river with several cascades.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (The Elk Mountain Trail) - 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma
Larry Smith/Flickr 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.
- Gloss Mountain State Park (Cathedral Mountain Trail) - North of Fairview off Hwy 412, Fairview
Randy/Flickr Hike to the top of the sparkly Gloss Mountains by the way of an easy 1.2-mile round trip hike. While at the top of the mesa, enjoy spectacular views of miles and miles of open terrain and the Cimarron River. Even though it’s uphill, the views of the surrounding mesas make this hike worth the trip. It’s the perfect spot to sit and reflect on the year ahead.
- Natural Falls State Park (Dripping Springs Trail) - US Highway 412 West, Colcord
stormdriventitan/Flickr Natural Falls State Park is located in the Ozark Highlands and hides one of the best easy hikes in Oklahoma. Natural Falls stands at 77 ft. high and is easily accessible by the Dripping Springs Trail – a looped trail that is just under a mile round trip. Take this short, easy hike to view this little slice of heaven tucked away in the foothills of Oklahoma.
- Martin Park Nature Center: 5000 West Memorial Road, Oklahoma City
Lisa RN/Alltrails When the hustle and bustle of everyday life take its toll, it’s time to reconnect with nature. You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker in order to enjoy this state’s enchanting scenery. Simply venture to Martin Park Nature Center. You’ll fall in love with this peaceful oasis. This easy hike in Oklahoma is less than three miles and takes you to a beautiful view.
- Roman Nose State Park (RNSP Trail) - 3236 OK-8A, Watonga
Katie Chris/AllTrails The park offers captivating canyon views, hidden waterfalls, hiking trails, a beautiful lodge, and many outdoor activities. Check out the Roman Nose State Park Trail - a 2.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail. There are even hidden caves and waterfalls to explore in this park and you’ll love everything about it.
- Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area (Blue Trail) - 6800 South Elwood Avenue, Tulsa
geoff dude/Flickr Overlooking the Arkansas River in Tulsa is Turkey Mountain - home to miles and miles of some of the best hiking in Tulsa. For a relatively easy hike, try out the Blue Trail - a 1.5-mile looped trail that passes by a lake and goes into the heart of Turkey Mountain.
Which one of these hikes are you going to try first? If you’re a more advanced hiker, check out this challenging hike in Oklahoma.
TravelOK/Facebook
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. The Beaver Lodge Nature Trail is an easy trek, 2 miles out and back, that is great for most skill levels. The scenery is breathtaking and follows a river with several cascades.
Larry Smith/Flickr
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.
Randy/Flickr
Hike to the top of the sparkly Gloss Mountains by the way of an easy 1.2-mile round trip hike. While at the top of the mesa, enjoy spectacular views of miles and miles of open terrain and the Cimarron River. Even though it’s uphill, the views of the surrounding mesas make this hike worth the trip. It’s the perfect spot to sit and reflect on the year ahead.
stormdriventitan/Flickr
Natural Falls State Park is located in the Ozark Highlands and hides one of the best easy hikes in Oklahoma. Natural Falls stands at 77 ft. high and is easily accessible by the Dripping Springs Trail – a looped trail that is just under a mile round trip. Take this short, easy hike to view this little slice of heaven tucked away in the foothills of Oklahoma.
Lisa RN/Alltrails
When the hustle and bustle of everyday life take its toll, it’s time to reconnect with nature. You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker in order to enjoy this state’s enchanting scenery. Simply venture to Martin Park Nature Center. You’ll fall in love with this peaceful oasis. This easy hike in Oklahoma is less than three miles and takes you to a beautiful view.
Katie Chris/AllTrails
The park offers captivating canyon views, hidden waterfalls, hiking trails, a beautiful lodge, and many outdoor activities. Check out the Roman Nose State Park Trail - a 2.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail. There are even hidden caves and waterfalls to explore in this park and you’ll love everything about it.
geoff dude/Flickr
Overlooking the Arkansas River in Tulsa is Turkey Mountain - home to miles and miles of some of the best hiking in Tulsa. For a relatively easy hike, try out the Blue Trail - a 1.5-mile looped trail that passes by a lake and goes into the heart of Turkey Mountain.
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