Looking for some of the best hiking trails in and around Tulsa, Oklahoma? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re up for a short stroll or an all-day adventure, there are plenty of options to choose from in Tulsa and the rest of green country.
My family loves experiencing the outdoor spaces around Tulsa. This includes the numerous hiking trails near Tulsa. I hope that this list gives you ideas on new places to explore!
Hiking Trails in Tulsa
There is a range of walking and hiking trails catering to both beginners and advanced hikers. So grab your gear and get ready to explore these amazing hiking trails in Tulsa!
1. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
Hiking at Turkey Mountain is one of the best things to do in Tulsa. You can explore almost 300 acres of nature in this park by choosing from a variety of trails with varying lengths and difficulty levels.
There is a paved trail that takes you along the river. The red trail is a quick 0.8-mile loop that is great for kids. The blue trail is a nice 1.5-mile loop.
The yellow trail is the longest loop at 4.4 miles long. You can see the massive stone staircase along this trail. Even if you don’t want to do the entire thing, walking to the staircase and back to is worth it.
Turkey Mountain is undergoing some changes to make it even better. Check for the latest trail closures before heading out.
2. Oxley Nature Center
If you’re looking for a nature escape in the heart of Tulsa, look no further than Oxley Nature Center. This beautiful place features miles of hiking trails, plus a nature center with exhibits on local flora and fauna. It’s a great place to take the kids for an educational outing, or just to get away from it all for a while.
There are a total of 19 trails available: 16 near the Interpretive Building and 3 in the North Woods. You can either go for a quick walk or combine multiple trails to make your trip a decent hiking experience.
Our family’s favorites are Bird Creek Trail, Blue Heron Trail, and Blackbird Marsh Trail. Head to the Thrush Trail or the North Woods trails for more seclusion.
3. Tulsa River Parks Trail System
The Tulsa River Parks Trail System offers a variety of trails for biking, running, and walking. The trails wind through the beautiful parklands along the Arkansas River. Several trailheads with parking are available, making it easy to hop on the trail.
If you have kids, there are plenty of options for breaks along the way including the Gathering Place, splash pads, and playgrounds.
4. LaFortune Trail Loop
If you’re looking for a lovely spot for a nature walk or bike ride in Tulsa, you should check out the LaFortune Trail Loop. The trail is a paved 3.2-mile loop. There are several benches situated along the path where you can take a break.
5. Chandler Park
Chandler Park is an ideal destination for hiking amidst nature. Spread across 192 acres, the park boasts numerous miles of trails that meander along the woods, ponds, and creeks. Its serene natural environment is perfect for a peaceful experience.
Enjoy one of the picnic areas during your visit. Kids will love the playgrounds and the fantastic Splash Park.
6. Tulsa Botanic Garden
When you think of hiking trails, the Tulsa Botanic Garden probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But, it has some great areas to take a stroll.
The main garden area includes the Floral Terraces that wind their way to the top of the hill. From here, you can walk the 1.5-mile Cross Timbers Trail through the prairie and cross timber forest areas.
You can continue your walk around the gardens on the 0.75-mile Lake Trail.
7. Osage Prairie Trail
If you are interested in a long hike, the Osage Prairie Trail might be just what you are looking for. This 14.5-mile paved trail goes from Tulsa to Skiatook. It is mostly used by bicyclists but is open to hikers.
If you don’t want to do the entire trail, you could also walk awhile and turn back to shorten your hike.
8. Midland Valley Trail
For a trail in the middle of Tulsa, the Midland Valley Trail is a wonderful option with some great stops along the way. This 5.3-mile out-and-back trail takes you through Veteran’s Park, Maple Park, and almost to the Gathering Place.
9. Lubell Park Trails
Lubell Park is a great place to hike without having to leave Tulsa! The multi-use trails wind through 40 acres of picturesque woods that are perfect for a hike or bike ride. The highlight of the park and the only trail available to hikers is Mary’s Loop, a 2.2-mile loop trail.
Hiking Trails Near Tulsa
If you are willing to drive outside of Tulsa, there are even more hiking trails and places to explore.
10. Keystone Ancient Forest (Sand Springs)
Keystone Ancient Forest, located in Sand Springs, is one of the best places to hike near Tulsa. It is definitely worth checking out! With plenty of well-maintained trails to choose from, this forest offers something for everyone.
The Childers Trail, which is very easy to hike, is about 0.6 miles long and has gentle inclines. It is ADA-accessible with a smooth asphalt surface.
The Frank Trail is a moderately difficult-rated trail with compacted stone and bare soil surface. It takes approximately an hour to hike and is about 2.8 miles round-trip. The trail leads to a vantage point overlooking the Arkansas River basin.
The Falls Trail is a challenging hike that goes over two waterfalls. It’s a rocky path with steep climbs and some areas that may be wet. The trail is 3.5 miles long and provides a fantastic view of the Old Growth Forest. It’s an ideal hike for experienced hikers looking for a true adventure.
Check Keystone Ancient Forest’s Facebook page for the latest information and pet-friendly weekends.
11. Keystone State Park (Sand Springs)
If you want to find a park that provides more outdoor activities than just hiking trails, Keystone State Park is a good choice.
The Ranger Trail in the middle of the park is an easy 1.8-mile loop that is great for wildlife viewing.
For a longer hike, head to the Keystone Trail. While this is designed for mountain bikes, hikers can also use the trails.
12. RSU Nature Reserve (Claremore)
The Rogers State University Nature Reserve in Claremore is a wonderful place to visit for a short hike or nature walk. The reserve is home to miles of hiking trails, which wind through the trees and around the hills.
It is over 100 acres, features multiple trail routes, and passes through a variety of features. One of the prettiest areas is the wetland boardwalk. Keep an eye out for snakes and turtles.
The start of the trail system is a gravel road. Most of the trails, however, are paved and take you through forested areas.
The Nature Reserve can be a little tricky to find. It is on the Rogers State University campus. There is a designated parking lot for the trails.
13. Sparrow Hawk (Tahlequah)
Located a little over an hour from Tulsa near Tahlequah is the Sparrow Hawk Wildlife Management Area which encompasses 566 acres.
Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area Trail is a fantastic trail to explore. It is a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail with a steep ascent through rocky terrain to a bluff with amazing views.
If you want to go hiking on any Oklahoma Department of Wildlife property, you will need to buy either a $26 annual Wildlife Conservation Passport or an Oklahoma Fishing/Hunting license.
14. Osage Hills State Park (Pawhuska)
Nestled in the beautiful Osage Hills State Park located just over an hour north of Tulsa are several trails worth exploring. The 0.5-mile out-and-back Falls Trail is perfect for those looking for a quick adventure while still experiencing views of small waterfalls.
If you have a bit more time, the 1.3-mile Cabin Trail takes you through the forest. For an easy stroll with spectacular views, the 1.4-mile Creek Loop Trail takes you along bluffs overlooking the creek.
Finally, the 2-mile Lake Trail from Lookout Tower offers a serene walk accented by the tranquil views of the lake. No matter which trail you choose, you are sure to have an amazing time hiking at Osage Hills State Park in Pawhuska.
15. Sequoyah State Park (Hulbert)
About an hour southeast of Tulsa is Sequoyah State Park which offers a wide variety of hiking trails. Many of the trails offer views of the picturesque Fort Gibson Lake.
Trails lengths range from short to lengthy. Some short trails include the 0.6-mile-long Nature Loop Trail and the 0.6-mile-long Fitness Trail. Popular trails between 1 and 2 miles include the Bluebird Trail, Sequoyah Paved Trail, and Deer Run Trail.
If you are an avid hiker, make sure to explore the Whispering Pines Trail. You will not be disappointed with a hiking trip to Sequoyah State Park.
16. Greenleaf State Park (Braggs)
There are a few different hiking options within Greenleaf State Park. Greenleaf State Park is located about an hour’s drive southeast of Tulsa.
The Family Fun Multi-Use Trail is great for anyone visiting. It is ADA-accessible and paved and about 1 mile long. The 1 mile long Deer Run Trail that goes through the park is another good family-friendly option.
If you are looking for a backpacking hike, the 17.25-mile Greenleaf Hiking Trail is a great option. Even if you don’t want to do the entire trail, it is worth it to walk to the swinging bridge about 1.5 miles into the trail and back.
17. Natural Falls State Park (Colcord)
Natural Falls State Park, located a little over an hour from Tulsa, is a great place for hiking. With more than four miles of connected trails, you can easily customize the length of your hike. The main draw of Natural Falls is Dripping Springs, a 77 feet tall waterfall.
Other trails in the park include Bear Trail, the 1.3-mile Ghost Coon loop, the 0.75-mile Pine Ridge Trail, and the 1.5-mile Fox Den Trail.
18. Skull Hollow (Oologah)
The Skull Hollow Nature Trail offers three trail options: Short Loop, Long Loop, and the Hiking Trail. There is a $5 parking fee to access the Hawthorn Bluff area.
The short loop is around one-third of a mile, while the long loop is around three-quarters of a mile. The hiking trail is about one and a third miles long. It takes you along the bluff, providing great views of the lake as you go.
During the winter months, the gate to get to the parking area is closed. You can park by the gate and walk to the trailhead.
19. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (Pawhuska)
The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska is a popular place near Pawhuska to spot the bison herd that calls this beautiful place home. However, a portion of the preserve is open to hiking. The bison are kept out of this area, so there is no danger of running into them here.
The preserve has three trails. A trail guide is available online that provides information about the trails, wildlife, and plant life. Remember that cellular service may be limited, so it’s recommended to download the guide to your phone ahead of time.
The Bottomland Trail is approximately half a mile long and is the shortest of the three trails. It is an easy stroll that takes you in a loop by Sand Creek. The trail is well-kept and straightforward to navigate.
To extend your hike, take a right when you come across the sign for the Study Trail. This path adds about another half mile to your total hike and takes you up into the woods. Although it can be muddy, flat rocks are available in the low spots as stepping stones.
To extend your hike even further, you can include the Prairie Earth Trail, a two-mile loop branching off from the Study Trail. Although we didn’t try it with our three-year-olds, the website states that the trail has “challenging terrain with steep inclines”.
20. Ray Harral Nature Center and Park (Broken Arrow)
Ray Harral Nature Center and Park in Broken Arrow encompasses 40 acres and provides 3 miles of trails with varying trail grades. The length of the trails in miles are as follows: Green Trail – 1/4, Yellow Trail – 3/8, Orange Trail – 3/8, Black Trail – 3/4, Blue Trail – 7/8, Red Trail – 1.
You are unlikely to get lost, but the trails are not marked well. If you have a set route you would like to take, download the Ray Harral Nature Park map.
21. Claremore Mountain Bike Trail System (Claremore)
The Claremore Mountain Bike Trails near Claremore Lake offer a high-quality system for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The trails cover over 10 miles and are a great place to go for a peaceful hike.
You can do an entire loop or head out in one direction and turn back when you are ready for a shorter trek.
22. Collinsville Lake (Collinsville)
There is a 3.5-mile trail network available for both hiking and mountain biking. The network includes four dirt trails: Mindful Vibes trail is 0.7 miles, Sweet Emotion Trail is 1.5 miles, Puentes is 0.3 miles, and The Grind is 0.1 miles.
You can easily piece together multiple trails to customize the length of your hike. This is a quiet space that is great for all ages.
23. J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve (Tahlequah)
The J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve in Tahlequah is an expansive 17,000-acre preserve that truly has it all when it comes to outdoor adventure. There are self-guided nature trails available along with a very informative trail brochure that allows you to learn about the ecosystem and history of the preserve.
For a chance to see some wildlife, butterflies, and wildflowers, try out the Savanna Trail, which starts at the headquarters building and is 1.5 miles in length. The 1.5-mile-long Pine Ridge Trail is another great option for wildlife viewing and the effects of the preserve’s controlled burns are evident along the trail.
Combine the two to create a 3-mile loop. That’s what my kids and I did during our visit. It was a lot of fun, except for ticks. The two trails offer a wide range of things to enjoy along the trails.
24. Two Rivers Trail (Sand Springs)
Two Rivers Trail is a 2-mile loop located on the northwest side of the Keystone Dam. With its panoramic views of Lake Keystone, winding paths, lush greenery, and peaceful views, it’s the perfect nature escape.
25. Washington Irving Scenic Trail (Cleveland)
You can find the Washington Irving Scenic Nature Trail at the northern end of Washington Irving South Public Use Area. The trail runs for almost a mile along sandstone bluffs. It follows the shoreline closely but sometimes veers off through wooded areas and neat rock formations.
26. Claremore Lake Trails (Claremore)
The Claremore Lake walking trails are a great place to get some exercise. The trails are paved, which is good for strollers, and take you along the lake. There are two playgrounds, restrooms, and a splash pad at the lake, making it a perfect destination for a family outing.
The entire trail is about 1.6 miles long. You can also continue along the sidewalk to make this a 3.5-mile loop.
27. Will Rogers Country Centennial Trail (Oologah)
Will Rogers Centennial Trail was designed to be a horse trail. However, hikers are also welcome to enjoy the trails.
The main trail is 12 miles long. You can make it shorter by turning back whenever you wish. There is also an additional trail that loops around Kite Hill.
This trail is rarely busy. If you want a quiet hike, this is definitely a good option. It can be very muddy after rain and the trails are not marked well, so plan ahead.
28. Haikey Creek Park (Broken Arrow)
Haikey Creek Park in Broken Arrow offers a pleasant 2.3-mile gravel walking trail. The trail takes you on a neat bridge but gets a little confusing in one area. Keep walking towards the road to get back on the trail.
29. Bixhoma Lake (Bixby)
The entire Bixhoma Lake trail is a 3.3-mile loop that takes you around the lake. Even though portions of the trail are sometimes closed due to landslides, you can still enjoy a large part of this trail.
The trail is rocky and steep in some areas. The trail is not well marked and can be difficult to follow at times.
30. Woolaroc (Bartlesville)
Woolaroc in Bartlesville is well known for its impressive museum; but, the hiking trails within the property are often overlooked.
There are a little over 3 miles of trails to explore at Woolaroc. The short Asphalt Trail leads you to Indian Princess Falls.
If you’re looking for a longer walk, continue on to the Warrior Loop Trail. It’s 1 mile long and uneven in some areas. After looping through a grassy meadow, it climbs back up to where you started.
The Outlaw Loop Trail, another trail at Woolaroc, is an exciting hike. It is about 1.5 miles long and includes difficult terrain along the beautiful Elk Lake.
31. Centennial Park (Owasso)
If you want to go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air, Centennial Park in Owasso is an excellent choice. This park covers 47 acres and features three miles of paved trails for walking. You can either walk the whole three miles or choose to do a smaller loop instead.
32. Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge (Okmulgee)
Make your way to the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find a variety of trails to explore. Among the most popular trails are the Cussetah Bottoms Boardwalk Trail, which is a quick 0.5-mile, and the Coalton Bottoms Railroad Trail and River Overlook at 1 mile in length.
There are many other trails to choose from within the boundaries of the wildlife refuge. It is a fantastic destination to enjoy the outdoors and view wildlife.
33. Pryor Creek Nature Trail (Pryor)
Take a walk or bike along the Pryor Creek Nature Trail, which spans about 3 miles. There are three trailheads to access the trail system. These are cleared path trails. They can often hold water when the area has received heavy rains.
34. Pathfinder Parkway (Bartlesville)
Running through the city of Bartlesville is a 12-mile paved trail system called the Pathfinder Parkway. You can do the entire trail or choose a section to explore. Johnstone Park, Arch Bridge, and Jo Allyn Lowe Park are some highlights along the route.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Trails Near Tulsa
There are many hiking trails in and near Tulsa that offer a variety of experiences, from challenging treks to family-friendly walks to relaxing Sunday strolls. So, grab your hiking shoes and go explore one of these amazing hiking trails near Tulsa.
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