There are so many parks, trails and nature preserve to explore the best hiking trails in Tulsa and the surrounding area. Here are my favorite hiking destinations in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area.
These hiking destinations have a parking area, picnic tables, miles of trails, open fields, incredible views, scenic overlooks, natural beauty, beautiful waterfalls, and wide-open spaces all within a short drive from the city of Tulsa.
Hiking is always a fun family-friendly activity. It’s a great way to get the kids off technology and burn off some energy. Tulsa is the perfect weekend getaway and has plenty of outdoor fun to be had!
READ NEXT: Best Hikes in Texas
Below is a list of the best Tulsa hiking trails for all skill levels.
Tulsa Hiking Trails
Bixhoma Lake Loop Trail
Located 40 minutes from Tulsa, in nearby Bixby. The loop trail takes you around the lake, through trees, and over a stream that feeds into the reservoir. Be sure to stop at the end of the loop to enjoy the views of the waterfalls.
The trail is maintained and a great place to see some wildlife along the trail. This is a dog-friendly nature trail as long as they are on a leash.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
READ NEXT: Fun things to do in Oklahoma City
Dripping Springs Trail
You’ll find this trail inside the Natural Falls State Park, which is near the Arkansas border.
Hike along the Dripping Springs Trail and you’ll come across the 77-foot waterfall that was featured in the film Where the Red Fern Grows.
The trail is paved and has stairs along the path. Although it’s only a mile loop, it’s labeled as moderate because of the steep incline.
Admission Fee: $10
Hike Distance: 1-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Keystone Ancient Forest Trails
These trails are found inside the Keystone State Park which is 20 minutes west of Tulsa.
There are six trails you can take on that ranch from half a mile to four miles. To get the best views of the ancient forest, take the Less Traveled Trail which is 4.1 miles and is the main trail.
The Keystone Ancient Forest is home to gorgeous 300-year-old Post Oak trees and 500-year-old Cedars. This forest is listed as a nature preserve with The Nature Conservancy.
Visitors can bring their pups on the trails on the 1st Saturday and 3rd Sunday of each month.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: .5 miles to 4 miles – distance varies depending on what trails you choose
Difficulty: Easy
Keystone Singletrack Trail
Located near Keystone Lake State Park, the Keystone Singletrack (Big Loop) Trail is only about 15 minutes from downtown Tulsa.
Views of the Arkansas River, the trail winds through rolling hills, dense woods, rock outcroppings, and small stream crossings.
The blue trail is marked with blue arrows and blue signages along the hike. The trail does allow hikers, mountain bikes, and dirt bikers.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Main Trail to Bluff Trail
These trails are located in the Red Bud Valley Oxley Nature Preserve in Catoosa, Oklahoma.
Starting at the main trailhead, you’ll hike uphill through Oak and Hickory trees until you reach the cut-off for the Bluff Trail.
On the trail, you’ll hike along a limestone ridge, rock outcropping, a store, and a cave.
It’s important to note that the nature preserver is only open on the weekends. So be prepared knowing that there will be other hikers on the trail with you.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Mary K. Oxley Nature Center Loop
The hiking trails can be accessed from Mohawk Park which is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
The Loop Trail begins at either the Coyote Trail or Meadow Trail and loops toward the lake. This trail system is beautiful with several trail options along the way.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Free
Midland Valley Trail
This 3.3-mile trail connects downtown Tulsa with River parks. It also connects with the Osage Prairie Trail and the KATY trail.
Take the trails along the rive to reach River parks East and West Bank Trail to fish for catfish and striped bass.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Osage Prairie Trail
The trail from old Midland Valley Rail links Oklahoma State University to Skiatook. The 14.5-mile asphalt trail passes through a rural landscape and eight pedestrian bridges.
The trail is open to hikers, horseback riding, mountain biking, and skating.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 14 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Prairie Earth Trail
Located in the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve outside of Pawhuska. Visitors can explore the Tallgrass Prairie and then stop by The Mercantile for shopping and delicious food.
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the largest tallgrass prairie in the world and is home to over 2,500 free-ranging buffalo. It’s also part of the Nature Conservancy.
It’s best to start on the Nature Trail that then leads you on the Prairie Earth Trail. The trail is wide open and hikers can see for miles. It’s a fun hike with beautiful scenery and amazing to see the buffalo roam all around you.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Redbud Valley
Located in Claremore, this one-mile trail leads hikers through a flood-plain forest, limestone bluffs, and dry forest. It’s a short hike, but a beautiful one!
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Sand Creek Falls (Osage Hills Falls)
Located in the Osage Hills State Park and is about an hour outside of Tulsa.
Park near the swimming pool and look for the trailhead sign. This trail will take you to beautiful waterfalls and cliff views.
Other great trails in this state park are the Osage Hills Lake Trail and the Osage Hills Red Trail.
Admission Fee: $8 OK residents; $10 out-of-state
Hike Distance: 1-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Sawtooth Loop Trail
This trail is part of the Claremore Mountain Bike Trail System and is a hidden gem located 30 minutes from Tulsa.
The trail is an easy loop trail along Claremore Lake. The trails are marked by blue, red, purple, and yellow colors.
Visitors can take the historic Route 66 to Claremore and stop by the famous Blue Whale roadside attraction for fun photos.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: Easy
Difficulty: 2 miles
READ NEXT: Best Weekend Getaways in Oklahoma
Skull Hollow Nature Trail
I love a hiking trail that is marked! This one has trailside markers all along the path to make sure you know where you are.
Along the trail, you’ll find an opening with gorgeous views of Oologah Lake. This makes for a perfect spot for a picnic or snack break.
If you want to continue the loop around the lake, follow the trail makers that say Long Loop. Along the path, you’ll enjoy different trees such as Sugar Maple, Black Walnut, and Mockernut Hickery, all of which are marked.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Tulsa River Parks Trail System
These walking trails offer 26-miles of paved trails along the Arkansas River. Close to midtown, you can each nature without leaving the city life.
Visitors can walk, run or bike on the trails while enjoying the wildlife, birdwatching, and playing at the Gathering Place, Tulsa’s largest public park.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 26 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area Trail System
With 45-miles of dirt trails located on 300 acres of land, this wilderness has a hike for everyone. This is also a great destination for mountain biking.
Visitors can choose a .8-mile loop on the Red Trail, a 1.5-mile loop on the Blue Trail, a 4.4-mile loop on the Yellow Trail, or a paved trail that connects to the Tulsa River Parks Trail System.
Admission Fee: Free
Hike Distance: 45 miles
Difficulty: Easy to difficult
READ NEXT: Best Pumpkin Patches in Tulsa
When is the best time to hike near Tulsa, OK
As you can imagine, the summer months can get a bit steamy. The weather is more pleasant from October through March. Spring, fall, and winter are the best months of the year to explore the hiking trails. If you choose to hike during the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water on the trails.
