best hikes

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and want to get out into nature, we have more than a dozen hiking trails within a twenty-mile radius of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Let’s check out some of the trails you just might want to hike the next time you're in town!

BEST FAMILY HIKE:

Caney Creek Waterfall Trail.

Length: 0.9 mile out and back trail
Difficulty: Easy

Caney Creek Waterfall Trail is a fun hike for people of all skill levels. It is mostly used for running, hiking, and walking. On this hike, you will experience 42 feet of elevation gain over the slightly less than 1-mile journey.

As a part of this hike, you’ll be able to enjoy a small waterfall and stream.

BEST HIKE FOR A GOOD WORKOUT WITH REFRESHING WATER VIEWS

Friends Trail Loop

Length: 1.5 mile loop trail
Difficulty: Moderate

The Beavers Bend Friendship Trail, also referred to as the Friends Trail Loop, is very popular and heavily used. Featuring a river, this hike is of moderate difficulty with 282 feet of elevation gain. The trail is mostly used for nature trips, running, and hiking.

It is a good idea to bring a map with you, as some people find that this trail is not well-marked. You can either download an offline map or bring a printed-out version. This can help you navigate the large number of diverging trails you’ll meet along the way.

On the trail, you will encounter some steep climbs. This is one of the newest trails in Beavers Bend State Park and is well-maintained compared to some of the other trails. Part of the trail runs parallel to the Lower Mountain Fork River and you’ll have lovely views of the river and a waterfall along the way.

BEST FULL-DAY HIKE FOR SERIOUS ADVENTURERS 

Skyline Trail 

Length: 9.5-mile loop trail
Difficulty: Advanced

If you’re looking for a more adventurous hike, check out the Broken Bow Skyline Trail in Beavers Bend State Park. A little under 10 miles long, you’ll experience over 1660 feet of elevation gain during this hike.

This trail is recommended for more experienced hikers, as there are a number of water crossings that can be quite difficult, particularly after heavy rains. It can also be easy to lose the trail along the way, so you’ll want to stay very attentive to trail markers.

BEST HALF-DAY HIKE 

Lookout Mountain Loop

Length: 2.9-mile loop trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Looking Mountain Loop is another popular Broken Bow hiking trail. Best used between the months of April and October, you can find people walking, hiking, bird watching, and taking nature trips on this trail.

You’ll get to enjoy scenic views along the way and get your heart pumping with 574 feet of elevation gain. It’s very steep at points, so consider this trail to be of moderate-to-hard difficulty!

BEST VIEWS OF LOWER MOUNTAIN FORK RIVER

Cedar Bluff Nature Trail

Length: 0.9-mile loop trail
Difficulty: Moderate

The Cedar Bluff Nature Trail is best used between the months of March and October. Starting across from Dogwood Campground and near the kayak rentals and miniature golf on the Lower Mountain Fork River, this is an easy-to-moderate hike.

To stay on the trail, you’ll want to follow the blue trail blazes. This trail intersects with the Skyline Trail and Deer Crossing Trail, which are marked off with red trail blazes on the trees.