The Best hiking Trails in Broken Bow & Beavers Bend State Park

David Boren Hiking Trail (DBHT):

The David Boren Trail offers 12 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty throughout Beavers Bend State Park.  DBHT can be accessed from four different trailheads, allowing for shorter hikes. The Trail is intended to be hiked from South to North consisting of four trails; South Park Trail, Beaver Creek Trail, Deer Crossing Trail, and finishing at Cedar Bluff Nature Trail. If you are hiking the trail, be aware the trail does not loop to the starting point. Overall, this is one of the best hiking trails in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

The David Boren Trail meanders through forests of native hardwood trees and towering pines across creek beds and up to ridge tops offering breathtaking views of Broken Bow Lake and other gorgeous vistas.  You begin near Acorn Campground at the south end of Beavers Bend State Park at South Park trailhead and the trail continues north toward Broken Bow Lake connecting with Beaver Creek Nature Trail, full of steep terrain.  On past the Deer Crossing trailhead for two miles with some climbs then that leads to Cedar Bluff Natural Trail for one mile to finish up The David Boren Trail.

Friends Trail:

Friends Trails has a nice parking lot near the trail head. There are some steep climbs during the trail. Portions of the trails run next to the Lower Mt Fork River with gorgeous views and perfect spot to admire nature. The trail is the newest in Beavers Bend State Park and well marked. It has become one of the most popular trails here.

South Park (DBHT)

1 mile / One Way / Easy / Minimal Terrain

South Park starts just south of Acorn & Cypress Campground. The trail is an easy hike to the Beaver Creek with some hills at the Southern end of Beavers Bend Park.

Beaver Creek Trail (DBHT)

The trail can be started by the Nature Center near the Civilian Conservation Corp monument or off of the Forest Heritage Tree Trail (by the Forest Heritage Center Museum’s Indian sculpture) which runs parallel to a portion of Beaver Creek Trail.  The trail will follow Beaver Creek until it intersects with South Park Trail.  The trail is marked with red on white tree blazes and is mostly flat.

Deer Crossing Trail (DBHT)

The trail has some decent climbs with several creek crossings.  The southern trailhead is located on the north side of 259a.  Deer Crossing Trail also connects Lookout Mountain Trail with Cedar Bluff Nature Trail.

Cedar Bluff Nature Trail (DBHT)

1 mile / Loop / Moderate / Minimal Terrain

Cedar Bluff starts across from Dogwood Campground and near the miniature golf & kayak rentals on Lower Mountain Fork River.  The trail is a fairly easy walk past Mountain Fork River with about 200ft of total elevations. Those elevations will give you pretty views of the river. Follow the blue tree blazes to stay on Cedar Bluff Nature Trail.  Deer Crossing & Skyline Trail also intersects which are marked with red tree blazes.

Pine Ridge Nature Trail

¾ mile / Loop / Easy / Minimal Terrain

Pine Ridge Trail starts across from the tennis courts which are north of Cypress Campgrounds.  The trail takes you through a lowland forest with minimal elevations.  Expect wildlife, open trails, and an easy shaded walk.

Forest Heritage Tree Trail

1.6 mile / Loop / Easy / Minimal Terrain

The trail starts at the Forest Heritage Center and take you along Beaver Creek, over a covered bridge and loops back to the Forest Heritage Center.  This is relaxing walk with some varying elevation but easy for families and dogs.  Keep an eye out for wooden signs that say “Trail”.  The hiking trails are marked with white paint on the trees.

Lookout Mountain Trail

Lookout Mountain starts on the South side of 259a and has some moderate climbs amongst the pine trees & hard woods that open up to some nice vistas, but no true ‘lookout’.  You should expect some rocky terrain and narrow trails at times.  This trail can be a combined to create a 3 mile loop: Lookout Mountain Trail > Beavers Creek Trail, Lookout Mountain Trail and back to the Forest Heritage Center Museum.

Lakeview Lodge Trail*

The trail starts at Lakeview Lodge on Broken Bow Lake near the children’s playground with ample parking.  Lakeview Lodge Trail is comprised of three loops.  The trail is meant to be followed in a clockwise direction.  The trail is self-guided and half of the trail is along the edge of the lake with good views and varied terrain.  Expect beautiful pine trees, beautiful views of the lake and maybe some wildlife.  This trail can also be mountain biked.

Skyline Trail

Skyline Trail is one of most difficult hiking trails in Broken Bow and recommended for experienced hikers only.  Head to the Beaver Lodge Trail trailhead on 259a, north of Mountain Fork River.  Skyline Trail uses Beaver Lodge Trail for ½ mile heading northwest to the Skyline Trail trailhead.  Follow the red tree blazes that line the trail. Cross over the wooden bridge to a steep uphill climb, then travel down the gravel road where the trail exits to the left.  Three miles in, you cross Bee Creek three times then on to a steep climb.  After six miles, you come to an overlook and the intersection of Cedar Bluff Nature Trial on your left.  Too make this a loop, you will have to take this trail to the trailhead on 259a and then walk north along the road for 1 ½ miles back to the trailhead parking at Beaver Lodge Trail trailhead.  This is one of the best hikes in Broken Bow that show off the Lower Mountain Fork River. Expect hills, water crossings and a mostly shaded hike with views of small waterfalls on Bee Creek. 
Bestoklahomatrails.com put together a nice map of Skyline Trail in Beavers Bend.  The trail line is not precise, but gives you an idea of the flow of the trail. 

3 Mile Loop #1 Idea:

3 Miles / Loop / Moderate / Moderate Terrain

From the Nature Center, go south on Beavers Creek to Lookout Mountain and back east to the Forest Heritage Center Museum.

3 Mile Loop #2 Idea:

3 miles / Loop / Moderate / Moderate Terrain

From the Forest Nature Center, go south on Beavers Creek Trail then east on South Park Trail and then back up north on the park road to the Forest Nature Center.