The Happiness Function

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure but 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 looking for a challenging hike or an easy nature walk, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best hiking trails near Tulsa.

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Nature Trails Near Tulsa

The Northeast part of Oklahoma, starting near Tulsa, is known as Green Country. This area is named Green Country for the rolling hills, beautiful hardwood trees, hidden bluffs, and tucked-away rock outcroppings. There are incredible places to explore off the beaten path.

If you are looking for outdoor adventures, you’re in the right place. You don’t have to travel far to get out in nature. Keep reading to discover the best hiking trails in the area.

12 Best Hiking Trails Near Tulsa

We have rounded up some of the best hikes in Oklahoma close to Tulsa to share with you. All of the trails below make for excellent day hikes and half-day adventures. Continue reading to discover the best hiking spots near Tulsa.

1. Keystone Singletrack (Big Loop) Trail

• Location: Near Keystone Lake in Mannford, Oklahoma
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 4.2-miles
• Time: ~ 2 hours
• Parking: Parking lot, right off the highway, lots of space
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: None

Close to Keystone Lake State Park, the Keystone Singletrack (Big Loop) Trail is an enjoyable hike 15-20 minutes from downtown Tulsa. This is a lovely hike close to the city if you want to get outdoors for some fresh air and a change of scenery.

The trail meanders through rolling hills and dense woods, along with scattered rock outcroppings. One of the rock outcroppings is named 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, where you will be greeted with views of the Arkansas River.

There is moderate traffic, including 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 lot with lots of space
• Dog Friendly: Yes, but only on the 1^st Saturday and 3^rd Sunday of each month
• Cost: Free
• Restroom: Yes, inside of beautiful new visitor center
• Hours: Open Thursdays from 7 am – 2 pm and Friday through Sunday 7 am – 6 pm

The Keystone Ancient Forest is located about 20 minutes west of Tulsa. The area has moderate traffic, is well maintained, has a beautiful new visitor center, and the paths are all well-marked.

There are multiple trails to hike within the nature preserve.

Enjoy walking the following trails through the forest:

• Fire Road – 0.8 mile one way
• Childers Trail – 6/10 mile loop + handicap accessible
• Frank Trail – 1.4 miles one way – add on to the big loop
• Less Traveled Trail – 4.1 miles one way (this is the main big loop)
• Wilson Trail – 1.0 mile one way
• Falls Trail – 3.5 miles one way

The main Keystone Ancient Forest Loop is called the Less Traveled Trail. This trail wanders through the woods, part of it is graveled, and part is just dirt. Overall, the trail is open and easy to follow.

Hiking the Keystone Ancient Forest Loop Trail makes for the perfect morning or afternoon adventure!

The Keystone Ancient Forest is home 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 one of our favorite places near Tulsa!

3. Bixhoma Lake Loop Trail

• Location: Bixhoma Lake near Bixby, Oklahoma
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3.3-miles
• Time: ~ 1 ½ – 2 hours
• Parking: Plentiful areas to park around the lake
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Portable lavatory

Lake Bixhoma is 40 minutes from downtown Tulsa near Bixby, Oklahoma. It is one of the most remarkable trails to hike close to the city. The area gets rural pretty fast 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 choose. Stop and see the waterfalls at the end of your loop downstream of the dam.

The trail follows a dirt road some of the way around the lake, then tapers into a single track through the trees. There is one stream crossing on the south side of the lake, which feeds the reservoir. The stream crossing consists of large rocks to skip across.

There was little foot traffic during the hike, but we could tell the trail is used. The leaves covering the path were trampled, making the trail easy to follow.

Highlights of the Bixhoma Lake Loop Trail include 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 you might even meet some furry friends!

Enjoy the hike, views, and tranquility in Oklahoma Green Country. This is one of the best 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 side of Claremore Lake off of E 470 Road (Lake Road)
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Portable lavatory

Located 35 minutes from downtown Tulsa, the Claremore Mountain Bike Trail System is a local hidden gem. Tucked in the woods against Claremore Lake, the community has built an excellent trail system for hikers and bikers.

Sawtooth Loop Trail is an easy loop to walk and enjoy. There are multiple loops to trek or bike. The trails are marked by red, yellow, purple, and blue colors. After hiking, drive around Claremore Lake for more views and perhaps a picnic.

From Tulsa, you can opt to drive Route 66 to Claremore for the more historic scenic route. Be sure to stop at the Blue Whale, a darling roadside attraction. Claremore Lake is just to the east, a little way off Route 66.

5. Dripping Springs Trail in Natural Falls State Park

• Location: Natural Falls State Park near Colcord, Oklahoma
• Difficulty: Moderate due to 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

Natural Falls State Park is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes east of Tulsa near the Oklahoma and Arkansas border. Visiting the park makes for a beautiful weekend day trip.

Hike the Dripping Springs Trail, Oklahoma’s famous 77′ waterfall. Some of the trail is paved, there are stairs, and then you will wander a single dirt 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:

• 27 Easy Road Trips to Take from Tulsa
• Fall Road Trip Idea: Tulsa to Northwest Arkansas
• Fall Road Trip Idea: Camp and Hike to Hawksbill Crag in the Ozarks

6. Red Bud Valley Oxley Nature Preserve – Main Trail to the Bluff Trail

• Location: Catoosa, Oklahoma
• Difficulty: Easy to moderately difficult
• Distance: about 1.2-miles (there are a few trails to explore if you choose a different route)
• Time: ~ 1 hour
• Parking: Plentiful inside the park or along the county road
• Dog Friendly: No pets
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes
• Hours: Saturday-Sunday 8 am to 5 pm

The Red Bud Valley Oxley Nature Preserve is located roughly 30 minutes northeast of Tulsa. This Nature Preserve is part of The Nature Conservancy.

Start the hike on the main trail near the parking area. You will wander uphill through the Oak and Hickory trees. The trail will fork after a while, and you can choose to adventure along the Bluff Trail. We highly recommend hiking along the Bluff Trail.

The Bluff Trail gets more rugged, and you have to watch your step. You’ll hike along a limestone ridge with rock outcroppings, a cave, and a trickling stream before going back downhill toward the parking lot. Watch your step and have fun.

Since the Red Bud Valley Oxley Nature Preserve is only open on weekends, it gets a decent number of visitors. The trails have moderate 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 visitor center
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Cost: Free
• Restroom: Yes, at the visitor center

The Prairie Earth Trail is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes north of Tulsa. Don’t let the proximity from Tulsa detour you. It is one of the best hiking trails.

The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the largest tallgrass prairie in the world and is home to over 2,500 free-ranging buffalo. While driving to the trailhead, which is close to the visitor center, keep your eyes peeled for buffalos.

You’ll see the trail sign once you get close to the visitor center. Start on the Nature Trail, then the trail branches to trek further along the Prairie Earth Trail.

You’ll wander through the vast open tallgrass prairie; then, the trail will take you back into the trees near Sand Creek. Enjoy wide-open spaces with views for miles. The prairie is incredibly breathtaking and remarkable for walking meditation and clearing the mind.

The Tallgrass Prairie is part of The Nature Conservancy.

8. 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 can loop for roughly a mile
• Time: ~ 30 minutes out and back – or you can 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

From Tulsa, head north towards 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 may or may not be able to see the falls. We hiked in mid-March after a big rainstorm, and the falls were pretty washed out.

In case the falls are washed out, there are a few 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 few hiking trails to explore. You might also enjoy the Osage Hills Red Trail, Osage Hills Lake Trail, and the hiking loops around the campgrounds.

Pack a sack lunch, enjoy the park, then head to downtown Pawhuska or Bartlesville to explore the historic main streets! We just adore both of these towns!

If you head into Pawhuska, be sure to stop at The Pioneer Woman’s famous Mercantile. The Merc is a cult favorite full of southern small town 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

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 before the trailhead.

The Skull Hollow Nature Trail is well-marked with roadside markers, and the beginning of the path is marked with a rustic wood sign.

Along the trail, you’ll wander through the woods before coming to the first rock outcropping and tree clearing with incredible views of Oologah Lake. Stop, have a snack, and enjoy the beautiful lake views.

Continue trekking the loop (you’ll see a trail marker that says Long Loop), which wanders along the Oologah Lake shoreline.

Along the trail, wood signs point out the different types of native trees, such as Mockernut Hickory, Sugar Maple, and Black Walnut. Keep your eyes peeled for armadillo!

The Skull Hollow Nature Trail is one of our favorite trails to hike near Tulsa. It is quiet and full of beautiful 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, plenty
• Dog Friendly: No
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes
• Hiking Trails Hours: Park open daily from 7 am to 9 pm

The Mary K Oxley Nature Center Loop is located close to Tulsa on the north side of town. Hiking trails are accessible from Mohawk Park daily from 7 am to 9 pm. There are a few hiking trails to choose from besides 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 pick your adventure.

Be sure to check out the Mary K Oxley Nature Center map before you go and choose your hiking route.

We love the Oxley Nature Center as it provides excellent nature walking trails near Tulsa. Lake Sherry is also a quiet place to watch for birds.

11. Tulsa River Parks Trail System

• Location: Midtown Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 26-miles of asphalt trails
• Time: ~ you can choose your adventure
• Parking: Multiple places – check out the Tulsa River Park Trail map
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes

One of the community’s prized gems, the Tulsa River Parks Trail system offers 26-miles of paved asphalt trails along the Arkansas River. The Tulsa River Park system provides some of the best walking trails in Tulsa.

Hike, run, walk, or bike along this beautiful system of trails with ample opportunities to see wildlife, bird-watch, get fresh air, enjoy the gardens, and experience the Gathering Place.

Close to midtown, you don’t have to go far to the city’s best place for outdoor recreation.

Head to Tulsa River Parks before or after work, on the weekend, or if you’re just passing through.

12. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area Trail System

• Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Difficulty: Easy to difficult – choose your adventure
• Distance: 45-miles of dirt trails
• Time: ~ Choose your adventure
• Parking: Yes, plenty
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Restrooms: Yes

If you’re looking for a place to hike in Tulsa, the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is perfect.

With roughly 45-miles of dirt trails, Turkey Mountain has some of the best hiking trails near Tulsa. The Wilderness Area includes 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 area also allows mountain biking.

Check out the Turkey Mountain Hiking Trail map to plan your adventure. This is a beautiful area to get outdoors right in Tulsa and get out for an afternoon outing.

The trails are accessible year-round making it a perfect escape from city life. You can also mountain bike here.

12 Best Hiking Trails Near Tulsa, Oklahoma

Below is a quick summary of some of the best hikes near Tulsa, in case you just wanted to skip through the article!

1. Keystone Singletrack (Big Loop) Trail
2. Keystone Ancient Forest Trail
3. Bixhoma Lake Loop Trail
4. 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
8. 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
11. 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 one of the best hikes near Tulsa (only an hour and 20 minutes away). Check out how to hike the Burnt Cabin Trail at Lake Tenkiller!

Best Time of Year to Hike

The best time of year to hike in Oklahoma is definitely outside of the hot summer months. The weather is beautiful and not 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 best times of the year to explore 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

While hiking, do you enjoy viewing wildlife and birds and identifying the local trees? If so, below is a little more information on the wildlife, birds, and trees to keep your eyes peeled for while hiking.

Common Animals While Hiking in Oklahoma

While hiking, keep your eyes peeled for spotting the following animals:

• White-tailed Deer
• Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel
• Raccoon
• Beaver
• Striped skunk
• Bobcat
• Armadillos

Birds While Hiking in Oklahoma

We love bird-watching while we are hiking! While you’re out on the trails, you might be interested in watching for the following birds:

• Dark-eyed Junco
• Goldfinch
• Mockingbird
• Carolina Wren
• Cardinal
• Blue-Jay
• Tufted Titmouse
• Chickadee
• Scissortail Flycatcher
• Purple Martin

We enjoy having guidebooks to look up different species of plants and animals while we hike!

Trees While Hiking Near Tulsa, Oklahoma

The beautiful hardwood trees are 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

Below are items we always take hiking and highly recommend:

• Day pack
• Water bottles – at least 32-64 ounces depending on how far you plan to hike
• Snacks
• Trekking poles – we use Leki carbon poles and have had them for over 10 years.
• Clothing Layers – layer your clothing to accommodate the weather and personal comfort. Wear sweat-wicking sun shirts.
• Light down jacket
• Fleece layer
• Hiking pants
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen and chapstick – we use Sun Bum since it is environmentally and ethically safe. The sunstick fits perfectly in our day pack.
• Comfortable hiking boots – We both are obsessed with Oboz hiking boots. I have the Oboz mid-leather for women, and Pablo wears these Oboz sawtooth for men.

Women’s Hiking Boot

Men’s Hiking Shoe

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, look no further than the hiking trails near Tulsa. With plenty of options for all levels of hikers, these trails will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Oklahoma. So grab your sunscreen and water bottle, and get ready to explore!

There are so many great trails to hike along with state parks to explore within a short driving distance. Reinvigorate your curiosity in the local area and go explore.

Check out our page for more information and resources on practicing environmental stewardship outdoors. Always practice Leave No Trace.

Thanks for reading.

Ashlee + Pablo

Are you planning and outdoor adventure but aren’t sure what to pack? Get a FREE packing list and gear guide from us detailing exactly what we take on a camping and hiking trip!

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• 7 Unique Oklahoma State Parks to Add to Your Bucket List
• 14 Best Outdoor Weekend Getaways & Day Trips From Tulsa
• The Ultimate Tulsa Bucket List from a Local
• Best Coffee Shops in Tulsa: Epic Local’s Guide
• 5 Fun (Free or Cheap) Outdoor Things to do in Tulsa
• How to Spend 48 Hours in Tulsa – Local’s Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Quartz Mountain State Park

Arkansas is so close to Tulsa!

How about some Arkansas hiking and camping inspiration:

• 12 Hiking Trails in Arkansas You Cannot Miss
• Lost Valley Trail: Incredible Hike to Cob Cave and a Waterfall
• How to Hike Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail)
• How to Reach Hawksbill Crag Hiking the Whitaker Point Trail
• Epic Weekend at Mount Magazine State Park
• The Perfect Weekend at Devil’s Den State Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Petit Jean State Park
• The Perfect Weekend at Mount Nebo State Park

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We would love to hear from you!

Are you going to explore hiking trails near Tulsa? Which was your favorite?