The Happiness Function

We’re sharing all the details, so you know what to expect hiking the Burnt Cabin Cliff trail at Lake Tenkiller.

We live to find spectacular day-hikes close to home in northeast Oklahoma. We especially enjoy finding trails close to the water and tucked away in rocks. That is precisely what we found while hiking the Burnt Cabin Cliff trail at Lake Tenkiller.

Hiking Burnt Cabin Cliff Trail at Lake Tenkiller

Located near Burnt Cabin Marina, the Burnt Cabin Cliff trail wanders through the oak trees along an old dirt road that jets out onto a peninsula next to Lake Tenkiller. Towards the end of the peninsula is where the beautiful rocky cliffs begin.

You can also kayak to this point if you don’t want to hike.

The trailhead is not marked. The trailhead is located across from Burnt Cabin Marina along the east side of the boat launch. There is a little scrapyard area – head past the scrapyard, and the trail begins – follow the dirt road.

This is an easy trail to hike. There are no big hills to climb, and the trail is around 2.2 miles round trip.

Lake Tenkiller is a beautiful emerald-green color, which makes for awesome photos with the cliffs. There are plenty of rocks to sit on and enjoy the view.

Trip tip: There was some trash along the trail; bring a bag to pick up a little trash if you feel inclined. Always practice Leave No Trace.

Leave No Trace Tips While Hiking

• Dispose of human waste and trash property
• Leave natural things found alone
• Respect wildlife and watch wildlife from a safe distance
• Be considerate of other people recreating in the area
• Pack out all trash and waste
• Be quiet and enjoy nature
• Be respectful of the land
• Acknowledge Native American territories and tribal lands

Best Time To Visit Burnt Cabin Cliff Trail

Since Oklahoma has mild winters, visitors can hike this trail year-round.

The best time to hike is in the spring (April) through late fall (October) to see all the foliage. Fall is particularly a nice time to hike and take photos in Oklahoma.

Depending on the time of year hiking the trail, hikers may encounter mud – there was a little mud when we hiked in October.

Burnt Cabin Cliff Trail Details

• Trail Distance: 2.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 144.4 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

Is there a bathroom close by the trail? Yes, at Burnt Cabin Marina.

Is the trail on the AllTrails App? Yes, download the Burnt Cabin Cliff hike.

Is there cell phone reception? Cell phone reception is hit-and-miss driving to the area, but there is some reception.

Epic Viewpoints

The emerald, blue water against dramatic cliffs is quite the surprise and makes for the perfect morning or afternoon hike. If you’re looking for a fantastic day hike with remarkable rocks and a lake as the backdrop, then this is your trail.

How to Kayak to the Cliffs if You Don’t Want to Hike

It is easy to kayak or boat to the cliffs at Lake Tenkiller if you don’t want to hike here.

Launch your vessel from the Burnt Cabin Marina, and head to the left when you’re facing the lake. Paddle or boat around the peninsula, and you’ll get to the rocks.

It took us about 2 hours to paddle from the Burnt Cabin Marina to the cliffs and back. We swam near the rocks for a little before heading back.

Lake Tenkiller is a great place to paddle in Oklahoma when the weather is warm.

Have Fun Out There

We hope you enjoy this awesome day-hike to the cliffs at Lake Tenkiller or boating adventure.

It’s a great place to explore the outdoors in Oklahoma. It makes for the perfect day trip to get away from the city and reinvigorate yourself in nature.

Thanks for reading.

Ashlee & Pablo

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