If you’re looking for a great place to get away and enjoy the outdoors, Sequoyah State Park is the perfect spot. With plenty of activities to keep you busy, as well as gorgeous scenery, Sequoyah State Park is a great place to visit any time of year.
My family and I had a great day trip to the park on a sunny winter day. Even in the winter, this state park is worth checking out. We hiked, looked around the nature center, and enjoyed the lake views.
Things to Do at Sequoyah State Park in Oklahoma
Sequoyah State Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for outdoor things to do. The park has a lot of different activities available including a nature center, playground, fishing, swimming, golfing, and hiking. There are also several picnic areas where you can enjoy an outdoor meal with a view.
1. Three Forks Nature Center
The Three Forks Nature Center is a great place to learn about the surrounding habitat and wildlife that lives in Oklahoma. The center has exhibits on the local flora and fauna, as well as interactive displays that teach about conservation and the local ecosystem.
Some live animals can be viewed outside of the nature center. An otter and beaver can be seen on the side of the building as well as foxes and a coyote behind.
The nature center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
2. Hiking Trails
Sequoyah State Park has a variety of hiking trails to explore for all fitness levels. Here are some of the more popular trails in the park.
Fossil Trail
The 0.5-mile-long Fossil Trail winds through the woods behind the nature center. Visitors can see native plants and animals up close. As the name implies, fossils can be seen in the rocks on the trail near the water.
This is a rocky trail that is hard to follow in places. We made this into a loop back to the nature center instead of continuing on toward the lodge.
Nature Loop Trail
For a short and enjoyable trail, the 0.6-mile-long Nature Loop Trail is a great option. This family-friendly trail passes by boulders, ferns, and through the forest. We even saw deer cross the trail right in front of us during our visit!
Fitness Trail
The 0.6-mile-long Fitness trail connects the nature center and the lodge. What is special about this trail is the fitness stations placed along the trail. Kids and adults alike can stop at each station to complete a short physical challenge before continuing on.
Inspiration Point Paved Trail
Once you get to Sequoyah Lodge, continue down the paved path on the peninsula to Inspiration Point. This is a beautiful place to view Fort Gibson Lake and the best place in the park for sunrise and sunset views.
Sequoyah Paved Trail
The 1.7-mile Sequoyah Paved Trail is a popular trail in the park for walking and cycling. The trail offers shaded areas along with some big hills to climb.
Whispering Pines Trail
For a longer hike in the park, the 2.5-mile-long Whispering Pines Trail is the best option. This trail allows you to choose from several different paths and distances.
In addition to hikers, mountain bikers also use the single-track section of the trail. Combine this trail with Deer Run Trail to make this an even longer hike.
3. Water Activities
During the summer months, Sequoyah State park has got you covered with even more fun! You can enjoy a fantastic lakeside swim beach to keep the kids entertained. And for lodge and cabin guests, there’s an awesome outdoor swimming pool waiting for you.
4. Paradise Cove Marina
Sequoyah State Park attracts boaters with fishing and boating being popular activities. To get out on the water, check out the Paradise Cove Marina. It offers a wide range of services. It features boat rentals, loading dock access, gas and slip rental, paddle boats, personal watercraft, and bait and tackle supplies.
5. Sequoyah Riding Stables
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Sequoyah State Park, why not try horseback riding? The park has a riding stable that offers one-hour guided trail rides through 300 acres of woods and open trails. The rides are suitable for all levels of riders, and the staff is happy to give instructions.
The ride costs $40 per person. Riding double is $10 extra with a 250lb weight limit. Children must be 6 or older to ride a horse on their own.
The riding stables are open seasonally and their hours vary depending on the month. Check their website for the latest details. Advanced reservations are required.
6. Golf Course
The Sequoyah State Park Golf Course is a fantastic attraction in the park! It features a nine-hole course and a driving range, perfect for golf enthusiasts to enjoy.
7. Other Recreational Activities
Sequoyah State Park has a variety of outdoor recreational activities to keep the whole family entertained! Feel free to enjoy the horseshoe pits, tennis court, basketball court, and playground during your visit to the park.
Where to Stay in Sequoyah State Park
Sequoyah State Park offers a variety of accommodation options. Many choices include modern comforts. The park has 95 state park lodge rooms, 3 lodge suites, 6 cabana suites, 44 cottages, and even a lake house that can sleep 14 people.
If you are looking for a more rustic experience, there are campsites available. Sequoyah State Park offers a few campground options to choose from. There are 44 W/E/S sites, 82 W/E sites, and 85 tent sites.
Campsites come with access to restrooms and showers. Reserve your spot online. Check-in is at 5:00 pm and check-out is at 2:00 pm.
No matter what your accommodation needs are, Sequoyah State Park has you covered.
Sequoyah State Park FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Sequoyah State Park.
Is Sequoyah State Park free?
The park is not free. It requires a daily parking pass that costs $10 for passenger vehicles. If you have an Oklahoma or Oklahoma tribal license plate, the cost is reduced to $8.
There are signs posted all over the park with the information. You can pay from your phone or using the app.
When you stay overnight at the park, your accommodations come with a parking pass for one vehicle. You will not have to pay for a daily parking pass.
If you are a regular Oklahoma State Park visitor, you might be better off purchasing an annual pass. It costs $75 for non-residents and $60 for individuals with an Oklahoma or tribal license plate.
Does Sequoyah State Park have showers?
Yes. Every camping area has a nearby comfort station with restrooms and hot showers.
Are dogs allowed at Sequoyah State Park?
Dogs are allowed in the park. But, they are not allowed in the lodge.
Where is Sequoyah State Park?
Sequoyah State Park is located in northeast Oklahoma about 6 miles west of Hulbert. It is about 23 miles northeast of Muskogee, 17 miles west of Tahlequah, and 48 miles southeast of Tulsa.
What lake is at Sequoyah State Park?
Sequoyah State Park is partially surrounded by Fort Gibson Lake.
What is the best time to visit Sequoyah State Park?
Sequoyah State Park is a great destination during all four seasons, but the summer and fall are the best times to visit.
The park is popular during the summer months for swimming and hiking. Peak fall foliage is another great time to visit. But, you really can’t go wrong with a visit at any time of year.
Things to Do Near Sequoyah State Park
Sequoyah State Park has plenty to keep you busy during your visit. But if you would like to explore some other towns and attractions in the area, here are some nearby options.
Sequoyah Bay State Park
To explore another Oklahoma State Park, take a quick 20-minute drive to Sequoyah Bay State Park. This park is popular for water sports and camping along the Fort Gibson Lake shoreline.
Greenleaf State Park
Another nearby park is Greenleaf State Park. It is about a 40-minute drive between parks.
Greenleaf, situated on Greenleaf Lake, has a nature center, swimming beach, splash pad, hiking trails, and a kids’ pond for fishing.
Fort Gibson Historic Site
Take a 30-minute drive to the Fort Gibson Historic Site to learn about the history of Fort Gibson during the 1800s. It is an official National Trail of Tears Site due to its significance to westward expansion and Indian removals.
The site includes a reconstructed log fort and original buildings from the 1840s-1870s. The Oklahoma Historical Society manages the Fort Gibson Historic Site, which is also a national historic landmark.
Muskogee
Muskogee, just a 30-minute drive from the park, is a great nearby town to visit. Check out an event at the Castle of Muskogee and see the beautiful sights at Honor Heights Park. Tour the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Three Rivers Museum, and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
If you are visiting in the summer, the River Country Water Park is another great attraction to add to your list.
Tahlequah
To learn all about the Cherokee people, take the 20-minute drive to Tahlequah. The Cherokee National History Museum, Cherokee Heritage Center, Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, Cherokee Nation Capitol Building, and the John Ross Museum are all worth checking out.
Another summer activity is floating on the Illinois River. It is extremely popular. There are plenty of outfitters to choose from that rent kayaks, canoes, rafts, and tubes.
Final Thoughts: Sequoyah State Park
Sequoyah State Park is a great place to visit for those looking for a mix of outdoor activities and modern amenities. This is one of the state parks that has something for everyone, from hiking trails and horseback rides to swimming and water activities. There are also plenty of things to do nearby, including exploring other state parks and visiting museums to learn the history of the area.
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