Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Oklahoma.

By Updated

This guide covers 10+ hiking trails in Oklahoma — Mount Scott Summit Trail, Elk Mountain Trail and Ouachita National Recreation Trail — Lake Wister Section top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Oklahoma sits at the crossroads of the American South, Midwest, and Southwest, offering travelers a remarkable blend of Native American heritage, cowboy culture, Art Deco architecture, and wide-open natural landscapes. Home to 39 federally recognized tribal nations, more than any other state, Oklahoma's cultural tapestry is uniquely rich. Oklahoma City pulses with energy around Bricktown's canal district and world-class museums, while Tulsa showcases one of America's finest collections of Art Deco buildings alongside the Greenwood District, the historic Black Wall Street. Nature lovers find endless space in the Wichita Mountains, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, and the lakes and rivers of the Ouachita region.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Mount Scott Summit Trail

    2 miles round trip (drive option also available on a paved road to summit)1–2 hoursSummit at 2,464 ft (751 m); gain of ~500 ft on trail

  2. 2

    Elk Mountain Trail

    2.5 miles round trip2–3 hoursGain 450 ft; summit 1,967 ft

  3. 3

    Ouachita National Recreation Trail — Lake Wister Section

    10 miles one-way (section hike); 223 miles total trail lengthFull day for this section; multi-day backpacking possibleRolling Ouachita Mountains; moderate elevation changes 500–1,500 ft

  4. 4

    Beavers Bend Hiking Trails

    Multiple trails: 0.5–7 miles1–6 hours depending on trail selectedLow gradient on most trails; dense pine forest

  5. 5

    Black Mesa Summit Trail

    8.4 miles round trip4–6 hoursOklahoma's highest point: 4,973 ft (1,516 m); gain ~600 ft

  6. 6

    Cedar Lake Loop Trail

    6-mile loop3–4 hoursModerate; rolling terrain 400–700 ft

  7. 7

    Draper Lake Trail

    4.5-mile loop1.5–2.5 hoursFlat to gently rolling; 50 ft gain

  8. 8

    Scissortail Park Urban Trail

    2.5-mile loop through park45 minutes to 1.5 hoursFlat

  9. 9

    Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Trails

    Multiple trails; total trail network 40+ miles1–4 hoursRolling terrain; 100–200 ft changes

  10. 10

    Robbers Cave Trails

    Multiple trails: 1–8 miles1–4 hoursModerate; Ouachita Mountains terrain

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

Related topics