7 of the Best Backpacking Trails in Oklahoma
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7 of the Best Backpacking Trails in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a rustic and historic land filled with some of the best trails that backpacking has to offer. But before we get into that, let’s learn a little bit of its backstory, shall we?
In 1889, Oklahoma earned its nickname “The Sooner State” because that was the year that settlers were given the signal to step across state lines and claim their territory, sooner than the others. Step, indeed.
That brave group of settlers rushed in like a tidal wave and claimed every inch of this land of rolling hills available to them. They settled much of the territory, but Oklahoma is still a state of quiet and majestic wonder. It has state parks that go by the names of Beaver’s Bend, Lake Eufaula, The Great Plains, Sequoyah Bay, and Roman Nose and many national treasures such as Washita Battlefield and Fort Smith.
These parks are just the beginning. Not only do we have this state to thank for Brad Pitt and Sonic, but also for its wonderful natural beauty. This land offers multitudinous opportunities to explore the great wide open in the very heartland of America. In order to get to know a place, you must talk to its people and walk in their footsteps. Well, the people of America left footsteps all over Oklahoma, and its your turn to see what they saw and learn what they knew.
Some tips to keep in mind as you step off into the Oklahoma Wilderness:
- Be aware of poison oak and poison ivy. They are rampant and will turn your trip from an adventure to a miserable experience if you break out in a painful rash. Don’t hesitate to throw a small tube of ointment in your backpack that will save you worry should you encounter these insidious plants.
- Watch out for these three snake species: cottonmouths, copperheads, and rattlesnakes. A rattlesnake will let you know when you get too close, but keep an eye out for the other two. These venomous snakes will typically stay off of cleared trails, but it never hurts to be cautious.
- Always pack layers. Oklahoma is infamous for its radical weather changes. Sure, you started your hike in shorts and a t-shirt, but be prepared to finish it in warm leggings and a fleece sweater.
Now that you are aware of the quirks of the Oklahoma wilderness, it is time to decide where to put those boots of yours. Due to the variety of options, this article has narrowed down the best backpacking hikes in Oklahoma so that you can spend your time hiking instead of researching.
#1 - Charon's Garden Mountains Trail
This trail is a short hike that captures much of Oklahoma’s natural beauty. Oklahoma does not have much elevation, as indicated by this hike, which only gains 614 feet across the 5.8 miles of this out-and-back trail. You will need a permit for this adventure that features many unique boulder formations. About a mile into the hike, a side trail takes you to the Post Oak Waterfall, which is a welcome break from the heat and rocks. Later on, the crux of the trail will take you over a boulder field where you will need to scramble and climb. This isn’t your mother’s playground; watch out for rattlesnakes!
The dry terrain has its own majestic beauty. If you are lucky, you may see wild buffalo, elk, whitetail deer, or rabbits. Oklahoma is known for its role in bison preservation: it was the first state to found a national preserve, which is now called the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Reserve.
#2 - Ankle Express Trail
On the other side of the state, the Ankle Express Trail awaits your boots in the Greenleaf State Park. It features quirky adventures such as a swinging bridge. The trail will challenge you physically as well. Even though it only has 500 feet gained throughout the course of the twelve-mile loop, some sections are still at a steep enough uphill to offer a respiratory challenge to even the most accomplished hiker.
And the best part? This hike does not require a permit and camping at Mary’s Cove Campground and North Primitive Campground is absolutely free. The low-budget nature of this hike makes it a great option for a weekend get-away without digging too deep in your pockets.
#3 - Robbers Cave State Park
As if backpacking was not pleasantly archaic enough—the honing down of possessions to only the necessary items, the communing with nature, the isolation from civilization and technology—this park brings the added romance of being the hide-out of Jesse James and the Bandit Queen Belle Starr. You can hike the same trails that they used to escape the law!
Primitive camping trails line the edge of this state park. You can make a base camp there and hike out each day with a smaller day pack. This park not only features plenty of caves to hide even your most grievous transgressions, but also three refreshing lakes.
Who knows? You might even find buried treasure.
#4 - Winding Stair Mountain Loop
Speaking of history, let’s visit the other side of the American narrative: the Indian Nation trail. You will walk the Indian Nation trail, which is a path used by Native Americans in times gone by, for the last bit of this 22-mile loop.
This loop does not only take you back in time, but also up and down. It is a compilation of the Boardstand Trail, Old Military Road, the Ouchita, and the Nation Indian trail. Across this unique combination of trails, it goes through valleys, creeks, and, of course, mountains. The namesake, Winding Stair Mountain, makes an early appearance and is followed by the Chancellor Mountains.
As with almost all of these hikes, there are several water sources, but the creeks are often dry in the later summer months. To ensure that you will have enough water (dehydration is a tremendous threat in the hot Oklahoma summers), plan ahead to carry your water or be certain that the water sources will be plentiful.
#5 - Horse Thief Spring Trail
While you’re out in the way of the Ouchita Mountains, check out this quintessential Oklahoma backpacking trail. It is a 14-mile loop and features a lake. You can bring your furry friends on this hike, which makes the beautiful scenery all the more joyful.
This trail is free and only sees moderate use. It would be a great opportunity to escape some of the white noise and listen to the leaves whispering. As you hike, you can imagine what the horse thieves that used this trail were thinking as they led their illegal bounty through the trees.
#6 - Beaver's Bend State Park
The beauty of this trail is that it has thirty miles of potential hiking adventure…yes, it’s true, a trail this long can keep you and your companions in the backcountry for more than just the weekend. Are you looking for an escape for almost a whole week? Then this is the trail for you!
This trail is also an escape from the heat of the other trails. Many of the other trails feature intense heat and dry creek beds, but this one has gigantic trees with beautiful dappled shady creeks burbling through the trails.
The crown jewel of this state park is the David Boren Hiking Trail. David Boren was a former governor of The Sooner State. This conglomerate trail features no less than seven other trails, including the Beavercreek Trail, the Skyline Trail, and the Lookout Mountain Trail.
If you finish this adventure and decide that you are still hungry for more outdoor frolicking, this state park does offer options for mountain biking. Whether you’re taking to the trees on two wheels or two feet, Beaver’s Bend State Park offers serenity and exploration.
#7 - McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area Loop
The great variety of natural scenery available across the entire state of Oklahoma is encapsulated by this hike, and you couldn’t have a list of the best backpacking trails without it. You will see creeks, rock formations like in the Charon’s Garden Mountain Trail, canyons, and beautiful overlooks like at the Winding Stair Mountain Loop. The area around this loop offers over 25 miles of trails, which opens up a limitless amount of routes from which you can fabricate your perfect weekend adventure.
As a perk, this route is free. You will have to register at the trail head, but otherwise this affordable venture is a wonderful option if you live nearby. You could visit the park for several weekends in a row and still see something new every time. For example, on the main loop, you will encounter such canyons as Little Bugaboo, Bugaboo, and Wildcat.
Pro tip: check out this trail in the spring or fall. In the spring, the wilderness will be blooming into virility, and in the fall the changing color of the leaves will leave you in awe of nature’s palette.
7 of the Best Backpacking Trails in Oklahoma - Conclusion
As far as diversity of scenery, interactions with history, and opportunities to view America’s most iconic wildlife, this state beats out all of the competition. While we consider these to be the 7 best backpacking trails that Oklahoma has to offer, there are many more gems to be found if you’re willing to go off the beaten path. It is for these reasons we recommend you visit “The Sooner State” sooner rather than later. If you’re looking for more potential destinations, check out our articles “Hiking Trails in Gatlinburg TN with Waterfalls” as well as “5 of the Best Adirondacks Backpacking Loops“. Happy traveling!
