5 Stunning Oklahoma Hiking Trails to Try This Fall
“But Oklahoma doesn’t have any hiking trails.” LIES. Oklahoma has some of the best hidden hiking trails if you just know where to find them. If you are a local Oklahomie, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn there IS hiking here. And the trails in this post will make you feel like you are no longer in Oklahoma – I will let you decide if that’s a good thing or not.
If you are visiting Oklahoma, don’t pass on bringing your hiking boots. Yes, the wind does come sweeping down the plain. But we do have some peaks and valleys. Black Mesa, our highest point, is almost a mile above sea level. The elevation gain on that trail is about 750 feet, which is like walking up a 40-story building. So don’t count us out!
Today, I’m going to talk about the 5 best Oklahoma hiking trails that are perfect for fall weather. There’s a variety of skill levels and distances from Oklahoma City.
Let’s get into it.
Elk Mountain Trail
This trail is located in the Wichita Mountains, which is a classic hiking and camping area for Oklahomans. Located about an hour and a half outside of Oklahoma City, Elk Mountain Trail is a moderately difficult trail, with an elevation gain of 570 feet.
This trail is a bit rocky, which is perfect for scrambling if that’s your hiking style. I actually got lost on this trail one time, so remember where you are going if you leave the designated trail.
Overall, this hike will reward you with breathtaking views, beautiful wildflowers, and potential wildlife sightings. This hike is only shaded by the surrounding peaks, which is why it would be perfect for a fall hike instead of the middle of the summer.
This is a pretty popular trail, so you will likely come across other hikers or trail runners during your hike. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Black Mesa Summit Trail
To the highest point you go! Located in the panhandle, the Black Mesa Summit Trail will lead you to the highest point in Oklahoma – 4,973 feet above sea level.
While the total elevation gain of the trail is about 750 feet, this hike is actually a fairly moderate difficulty level. The trail itself is fairly flat, with one mile of steep climb to gorgeous views of the plains below. In fact, you can actually see New Mexico and Colorado from the peak.
Because of its remote location, this trail may not be too crowded while you’re there. Leashed dogs are welcome. The trail is mostly uncovered, so this is a perfect one for a crisp fall day.
Oklahoma City Hiking Trails
Now that we’ve covered remote parts of the state, let’s talk about some urban hiking, shall we? These aren’t going to be as steep or give you mountain-esque views of course, but if you live in the OKC area, these are great options for any day of the week.
Lake Arcadia Hiking Trails
Lake Arcadia is located just northeast of Oklahoma City, and the area offers tons of activities from fishing, to boating, to camping, and of course hiking!
This trail is also of moderate difficulty, covering 12 miles out and back. This trail is going to be busy almost all times of the year with hikers, bikers, and trail runners, so practice good trail etiquette while you’re out there. Leashed dogs are welcome.
While you may not get much height out of this trail, it wraps around the lake, providing beautiful views at every turn. This heavily shaded trail is a great one to try out on a summer morning, as the shade from the trees will keep you cooler than the other trails listed above.
Bluff Creek Trails
Another multi-use trail in the Oklahoma City area is the Bluff Creek Trail. This is one of the easier trails (though there are alternative routes to make things a little more difficult).
You have the option to walk the paved route or venture into the unpaved route originally created for mountain biking. With the majority of the trail covered by shade trees, this again is a great option for a summer morning walk, but fall walks are just superior. Am I right?
Another popular choice among OKC residents, be prepared to encounter other walkers, dogs, and bikers along the way. This trail is very wide, so it’s pretty easy to step out of the way as needed. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Oklahoma River Trails
Located along the Oklahoma River (duh), this multi-use asphalt trail runs through a lot of the coolest parts of Oklahoma City. Downtown, the Wheeler District, and the Boathouse District can all be accessed from this trail.
This trail also connects several other trails in other hot spots in Oklahoma, so you could call it the “walking highway”. Great for running, biking, and walking, this 17.5-mile paved trail is perfect for someone trying to see the city while getting their steps in.
This trail is mostly unshaded, so it’s definitely a good one to save for the cooler months.
There you have it. Evidence that Oklahoma isn’t just a flat, boring, hike-less state. You are welcome for enlightening you. Check out any of these amazing hiking trails in Oklahoma and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
