With 12 distinct ecoregions holding wonders like towering mesas and plateaus, serene swimming beaches, peaceful prairies and towering forests that stretch for miles, the variety of beauty in Oklahoma is awe-inspiring. It’s a state where you can canoe leisurely through calm waters on the Illinois River or Lower Mountain Fork River or embark on a strenuous climb up steep canyon walls at Red Rock Canyon or Robbers Cave State Park. Go bird watching at one of the state’s many refuges like the Hackberry Flats Wildlife Management Area or watch a massive herd of bison stampede through native grasses at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
Hikers will find a multitude of hiking trails from leisurely strolls through paved nature trails to extreme boulder-hopping at Charon’s Garden Trail within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton. Mountain biking is also a favorite pastime at the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area in Tulsa and many of Oklahoma’s 35 state parks.
Whatever outdoor escape you’re seeking, it’s waiting for you in Oklahoma. Order our free Outdoor Recreation Guide to learn more about the incredible outdoor offerings in the state then travel to Oklahoma to experience for yourself the serenity, beauty and adventure the state has to offer.
Explore five of Oklahoma's top mountain biking trails that offer the opportunity to get off the beaten path and into the scenery with your bike. Enjoy scenic, wooded areas and unique technical challenges that make Oklahoma a favorite among mountain bikers.
Oklahoma Outdoor Expert, John Gifford, spills his favorite things about Lake Tenkiller along with information to help you plan your visit to one of Oklahoma's most scenic lakes.
Oklahoma’s second largest city has long been celebrated as a mountain biking hub for outdoor enthusiasts, but for city dwellers looking for in-town adventures, Tulsa offers a variety of paved cycling routes surrounded by both metropolitan allures and beautiful landscapes.
South-central Oklahoma is a lake lover’s paradise, featuring many of the state’s most popular water attractions nestled among rolling blackjack prairie and ancient mountains that make this region a sight to behold. You’ve seen our profile of Lake Murray in our overview of the state’s top lakes, but check out some of these other major areas and start planning your next lakeside adventure in Chickasaw Country.
