1. LAWTON/FT. SILL: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (EASY, ADVANCED, EXPERT)
Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Hiking is permitted in the public use area from sunrise to sunset.
LOCATION: Visitor Center is at the intersection of SH-115 & SH-49.
ENVIRONMENT: 22,400+ acres available for hiking, wildlife observation and other recreational uses. Refuge has 15 miles of good hiking trails.
ELK MOUNTAIN TRAILS: The 2-mile trail through Charon Gardens Wilderness Area winds around the west end of Elk Mountain and snakes from the Sunset picnic area, past the 25-ft. Post Oak Falls and to the Post Oak Lake parking area. A side trail goes from Sunset to the top of Elk Mountain (2,280 ft.).
DOG RUN HOLLOW TRAIL SYSTEM: Part of the National Recreation Trail Systems. Starting from the French Lake trailhead, choose between a 1-, 2- or 4-hour hike through some of the most scenic areas of the refuge. Trail is well-marked with lots of wildlife.
CHARON GARDENS WILDERNESS TRAIL: An easy hike with little elevation gain. Topography is an inviting combination of prairie, mountain and desert. Expect to see a diverse array of wildlife. Backcountry camping on a reservation/permit basis only.
QUANAH PARKER AND LITTLE BALDY TRAILS: These two trails surround Quanah Lake. One leads from the Quanah Parker Lake dam to the summit of Little Baldy Mountain. A side trail from the Doris Campground joins this trail on the western side. Approximately 1 mile total.
MORE INFO: southwest.fws.gov/refuges/oklahoma/wichita
(CAMPGROUND, PICNIC AREA, NATURE VIEWING)

2. KENTON: Black Mesa Nature Preserve (EASY, ADVANCED)
Two hiking trails are located within the park. A more difficult trail is located in the nature preserve. Not recommended in summer.
LOCATION: In Kenton off County Road 325, 27 miles NW of Boise City.
ENVIRONMENT: One of the most dramatic landscapes in Oklahoma, the Black Mesa area is home to several unique rock formations including “Old Maid’s Profile” and the “Wedding Party.”
BLACK MESA BIRD HAVEN NATURE TRAIL: This is an easily traveled, 1-mile trail located within the park.
BLACK MESA VISTA TRAIL: A moderately difficult 1-mile trail.
BLACK MESA HIKING TRAIL: Located within the nature preserve, about 15 miles from the state park. This is a 4.2-mile trail ending at the granite monument atop Black Mesa. The round-trip hike takes approximately 4-6 hours covering 8.4 miles and, for a brief stretch, has steep elevation changes. Not recommended for young children or novice hikers.
MORE INFO: 580-426-2222 (Park Office) • nature.org/oklahoma
(CAMPGROUND, PICNIC AREA, BOATING, FISHING)

3. CHEROKEE: Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (EASY)
Primary wildlife are wintering migratory waterfowl and critical habitat for migrating whooping cranes and shorebirds. Due to reflections from salt flats, sun protection is highly recommended.
LOCATION: From junction of SH-11 and SH-38, go S 2 miles on SH-38, then 1 mile W to headquarters.
ENVIRONMENT: 32,000 acres consisting of salt flats, open reservoir, woodlands and agricultural fields.
EAGLE ROOST NATURE TRAIL: A 1.5-mile trail goes through a diversity of habitats characteristic of Northern Oklahoma.
HAROLD MILLER AUTO TOUR ROUTE: This 2.5-mile trail allows you to view wildlife and habitat from your car. The various habitats you will see include are ponds, marshes, wooded areas, farm fields and grassy fields.
SANDPIPER TRAIL: A 2/5-mile trail goes through mixed grass prairie to the salt marsh that is so attractive to migrating shorebirds. Salt Plains refuge has been designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Preserve, one of only 17 in the nation, and the only one in Oklahoma. It’s possible to see 36 of the 40 species of shorebirds here. Sandpiper Trail and Sand Creek Bay on the Eagle Roost Nature Trail are prime locations to view these shorebirds.
GEORGE SIBLEY TRAIL: At Great Salt Plains State Park, this 7-mile trail crosses gentle terrain and is open to hikers, mountain bikers or equestrian riders.
MORE INFO: 580-626-4794 • www.greatsaltplains.com
(MTN BIKING, FISHING, NATURE VIEWING)

4. SULPHUR: Chickasaw National Recreation Area (EASY)
A network of hiking trails that pass through a variety of ecosystems. Open year-round, no use fees required.
LOCATION: S of Sulphur on US-177, take R turn just after Bison Overlook.
ENVIRONMENT: More than 18 miles of trails ranging from variable open grassland to heavily wooded areas.
TRAVERTINE CREEK TRAIL: Starting at the nature center, this 1.5-mile trail heads west to the Little Niagara Waterfall.
BISON PASTURE TRAIL: Starts at Bison Viewpoint off of US-177 in the Travertine District. The 1.9-mile-long trail has several steep climbs. The trail offers views of a small herd of bison as well as the best view in the park, rising up 140 ft. over the surrounding terrain at Bromide Hill.
ANTELOPE AND BUFFALO SPRINGS TRAIL: Leisure trail beginning at the nature center and running 1.2 miles. The trail is flat and offers three different side trails that traverse through creeks, limestone hills, forests of sycamore and willows, and abundant wildlife.
VETERAN’S TRAIL: 1.4-mile trail leads from the Oklahoma Veteran’s Center to Pavilion Springs.
ROCK CREEK MULTIUSE TRAIL: Unpaved, multiple-loop trail with some elevation changes. Trail is 4.4 miles from north to south trailheads with several spurs between main trailheads. Total trail length is approximately 11 miles.
TRAIL MARKINGS: Marked by the National Park Service.
MORE INFO: 580-622-3165 • nps.gov
(CAMPGROUND, PICNIC AREA, NATURE VIEWING)

5. BRAGGS: Greenleaf State Park (EASY, ADVANCED)
LOCATION: 3 miles S of Braggs on SH-10.
TRAIL INFO: Spectacular vistas, a swinging bridge and a wide array of wildlife can be enjoyed along the 18-mile hiking trail through the Cherokee Wildlife Management Area. Takes entire day to hike the full length of the trail; classified as a moderate hike due to changes in elevation. Shorter trails available above Deer Run and at Gobbler Ridge campgrounds.
MORE INFO: 918-487-5622
(MTN. BIKING, CABINS, CAMPGROUND, PICNIC AREA, RESTROOMS, BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING, NATURE VIEWING)

6. WILBURTON: Robbers Cave State Park* (EASY, ADVANCED)
A nature trail that is ADA accessible up to the rock cliffs. Moderate to advanced trails around the cave, including rock climbing areas.
LOCATION: In SE Oklahoma off US-270. Park entrance is 5 miles N of Wilburton on SH-2.
ENVIRONMENT: Short-leaf pine forests surround hikers as they make their way along trails covering the foothills of the Sans Bois Mountains. A variety of wildlife including wild turkeys, bald eagles, deer, foxes and coyotes can be seen on a regular basis.
TRAIL INFO: Included in the 12-mile network of trails is a serene nature walk passing the mouth of the cave and a backpacking/ hiking trail covering semi-rugged terrain. Rough Canyon Loop runs through the area of large boulders housing the park’s namesake cave.
MORE INFO: 918-465-2562 or 800-654-8240
(MTN. BIKING, CABINS, CAMPGROUND, PICNIC AREA, PLAYGROUND, RESTROOMS, BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING, DISABLED ACCESS, NATURE VIEWING, RESTAURANT)

7. ALTUS: Quartz Mountain* (EASY, ADVANCED)
LOCATION: On Lake Altus in SW Oklahoma, 17 miles N of Altus on SH-44A.
ENVIRONMENT: Landscape includes granite mountains with rock climbing opportunities and forests as well as a wooded and sandy shore.
TRAIL INFO: Five hiking trails are located within the park. Two hiking trails are located near the park office. The New Horizon Trail, a rugged 1/2-mile path, explores the habitats of the mountain and goes three-quarters of the way up the mountain. Another trail travels a 1/4-mile along a wooded bottomland stream path where wildlife is abundant.
MORE INFO: 580-563-2238 (Park Office)
(CABINS, CAMPGROUND, BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING)

8. BROKEN BOW: Beavers Bend/Hochatown State Parks (EASY, ADVANCED)
LOCATION: In SE Oklahoma off US-259, adjacent to Broken Bow Lake. The Beavers Bend main entrance is 7 miles N of Broken Bow on US-259A. Continuing N on US-259 for up to 4 miles, Hochatown has 3 access entrances: Stephens Gap, Carson Creek and Cedar Creek.
ENVIRONMENT: Beavers Bend State Park has 30 miles of trails through rolling hills and hardwood forests adjacent to Broken Bow Lake.
TRAIL INFO: The David Boren Trail is a 16-mile route wandering along ridge tops and through creek bottoms among tall timber stands. It combines many of the parks’ trails into a long one-way route.
MORE INFO: 580-494-6300
For other trails in the area, go to McCurtain County Tourism Association.
(MOUNTAIN BIKING, CABINS, CAMPGROUND, BOATING, FISHING)

9. ATOKA: McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area (EASY, ADVANCED)
Requires a free permit, available at the area entrance.
LOCATION: 12 miles E of Atoka and 3 miles N of Farris, off SH-7.
ENVIRONMENT: An 8,900-acre wilderness area with lots of rocks to climb; pine trees abound. An excellent overnight hike, best done in cool weather.
TRAIL INFO: Trails range from 1-20 miles.
MORE INFO: 580-889-5822
(CABINS, CAMPGROUND, BOATING, FISHING)

10. TALIHINA: Ouachita National Forest (EASY, ADVANCED, EXPERT)
The Ouachita is the oldest national forest in the South, and stretches from central Arkansas to southeast Oklahoma. It’s a land of many uses with six wildernesses, one national recreation area and 700 miles of trails.
LOCATION: West end at Talimena State Park, 5 miles N of Talihina to E end at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas.
ENVIRONMENT: The Ouachita Mountains form the spine of this east-west trail and range from 600-2,600 ft. in elevation. The rolling mountains and valleys, smothered with oak, hickory, maple and pine, are carved by cobbled creeks and capped with the occasional sandstone rooster comb.
HORSETHIEF SPRINGS TRAIL: This 10-mile loop ascends scenic Winding Stair Mountain into dense forests of oak.
OUACHITA NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL: A lush, hilly oasis. Talimena State Park marks the western starting point of the 233-mile trail, which transects Ouachita National Forest and Mountains, ending just northeast of Little Rock, AR. Craft your own day trip by climbing Winding Stair Mountain and following its ridgeline through boulder fields and thick-forested valleys. Set up a shuttle or hike out-and-back as far as time allows.
MORE INFO: 501-321-5202
(CAMPGROUND, PICNIC AREA, RESTROOMS, BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING, DISABLED ACCESS, NATURE VIEWING)

11. PAWHUSKA: Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (EASY)
The tallgrass prairie was one of North America’s major ecosystems – today, less than 10% remains. The preserve now spans over 39,000 acres and is home to bison herds. It’s open dawn to dusk every day.
LOCATION: Just SW of Bartlesville in NE Oklahoma off Hwy. 99.
ENVIRONMENT: Sweeping vistas of the open prairie. Numerous breeding birds can be seen in spring, as well as birds of prey. The bison calving season is April-June. Other common wildlife include white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, beavers, woodchucks, badgers, coyotes and numerous small mammals.
TRAIL INFO: Self-guided nature trail is located near the preserve headquarters and offers a short (1 mile) and long loop (2 miles).
(NATURE VIEWING)

12. TULSA: Oxley Nature Center (EASY)
Open seven days a week, year-round. The trails are closed to the public during Mohawk Park’s curfew hours: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. You may park outside the gates from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. even when the gates are closed.
LOCATION: In Mohawk Park, approximately one mile north of the Tulsa Zoo.
DISTANCE: Nearly 9 miles of trails
ENVIRONMENT: Many individual loops and stretches of trail are linked together, allowing access to the Nature Center’s forests, fields and wetlands. Most of the trails are flat and fairly smooth. Wheelchairs and strollers may be taken down many of the trails unless rain has made the dirt or grass surfaces too soft or muddy. No horses, bicycles or vehicles of any kind.
MORE INFO: 918-669-6644 or www.oxleynaturecenter.org
(NATURE VIEWING, DISABLED ACCESS)

13. OKLAHOMA CITY: Martin Nature Park (EASY)
A 140-acre educational facility, recreational area and wildlife sanctuary is open year-round, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
LOCATION: 5000 W. Memorial Road, just east
of MacArthur Blvd.
DISTANCE: 3.5 miles
ENVIRONMENT: Several hiking trails curl through woods and grasslands. One graveled trail is wheelchair accessible. Other trails are of gravel and packed soil, containing short stretches of moderate slopes and occasional steps. Guided nature hikes are available.
MORE INFO: 405-755-0676
(NATURE VIEWING, DISABLED ACCESS)

*Project funded through RTP