Keystone Ancient Forest
Hike among ancient trees and enjoy scenic river views on well-marked trails, with accessible options for all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Ideal weather for hiking
Keystone Ancient Forest
Best Time
Ideal weather for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike among ancient trees and enjoy scenic river views on well-marked trails, with accessible options for all.
"This nature preserve is easily Oklahoma’s nicest hiking destination! "
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Essential for a pleasant hike, especially without them!
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Trails range from easy paved paths to difficult rocky terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Post Oaks & Red Cedars
Hike among 300-500 year old trees, a truly unique and ancient forest experience.
Well-Marked Hiking Trails
Explore miles of trails, from paved ADA-compliant loops to challenging rocky paths.
Track-Chair Program
Experience the forest with all-terrain chairs, making nature accessible for all.
Scenic Views of Arkansas River
Enjoy beautiful vistas of the Arkansas River as a rewarding payoff for your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Operating Days
Pet-Friendly Weekends
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Essential for a pleasant hike, especially without them!
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Trails range from easy paved paths to difficult rocky terrain.
♿ Accessible Adventures
Utilize the track-chair program for an inclusive forest experience.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Weekends
Dogs are allowed on the 1st and 3rd weekends of the month.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Essential for a pleasant hike, especially without them!
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Trails range from easy paved paths to difficult rocky terrain.
♿ Accessible Adventures
Utilize the track-chair program for an inclusive forest experience.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Weekends
Dogs are allowed on the 1st and 3rd weekends of the month.
🗺️ Stay Oriented
Trails are well-marked, but a sense of direction is helpful on longer routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Keystone Ancient Forest for its well-maintained and clearly marked trails, catering to all fitness levels from easy paved paths to challenging rocky routes. The ancient trees and scenic river views are consistently praised, making it a beautiful and rewarding hiking destination. Some find it moderately challenging, especially longer trails, and advise good navigation skills.
"This is an awesome hike. There's multiple trails that are easy, moderate and difficult. They have options for new and experienced hikers. They're very active in their assessment of the trail conditions, they have a huge sign with things to look out for such as mud. Great views for Oklahoma, you can't ask for much but what's there is pretty awesome"
Aidan Bost
"Keystone Ancient Forest is moderately hard if you hike and exercise regularly. If not it's hard. I really enjoyed this hiking here it was a little challenging but all worth it. Less traveled trail if you want a gluteus maximus tightened then of course less trailed trail is for you, we took this trail 4.5 miles. Please have a sense of direction bc you can get turned around if not careful. The bathroom is very clean surprisingly, and there was no fees to parking your car. I did purchase a hat for 25.00 it was very worth it.
Thanks for the adventure Keystone Ancient Forest!!!"
Niki Gondola
"Really nice walking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The scenery out here is beautiful, can't wait to see it in spring and fall. Trails are well marked and easy to follow.
Childer' trail is paved and less than 1 miles, easy.
Frank's trail is packed dirt and I think around 1.5. - 2 miles, easy
Less traveled trail is packed dirt w/some rocks, 4.5 miles, moderate difficulty.
Falls trail is packed dirt and a lot of rocks. Also, crosses creek several times and has some drop offs and some steep inclines. 3.5 miles, difficult.
Wilson's trail, I have not walked yet but it's 1 mile and rated difficult.
They do allow pets but only certain weekends. I think it's the first and third weekend of each month.
Also, only open Thursday - Sunday."
Marie Shelton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Keystone Ancient Forest is conveniently located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Tulsa, making it an easy day trip.
Yes, there is parking available at the forest, and according to one visitor, there are no fees for parking.
The trails are generally well-marked, but for longer or more challenging routes like the 'Less Traveled Trail,' having a good sense of direction is recommended to avoid getting turned around.
Yes, there are restrooms available, and one reviewer noted they were surprisingly clean.
Using GPS or a mapping app is recommended to navigate to the forest, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Search for 'Keystone Ancient Forest, Sand Springs, OK'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While one reviewer mentioned no parking fees, it's always a good idea to check the official website or visitor center for any potential admission or parking charges before your visit.
The forest is open from Thursday through Sunday. It's important to plan your visit within these days.
There's no mention of needing to book tickets in advance for general entry. However, for special programs or events, it's advisable to check their website.
Yes, Keystone Ancient Forest hosts various events, such as 'Art Hikes' and 'Healthy Sundays' featuring activities like forest bathing and yoga.
The forest is typically open Thursday through Sunday. It's best to confirm holiday hours directly with the park as they may vary.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trails vary significantly, from the paved, less than 1-mile Childer's Trail (easy) to Frank's Trail (1.5-2 miles, easy), the moderate 'Less Traveled Trail' (4.5 miles with some rocks), and the difficult Falls Trail (3.5 miles with rocks, creek crossings, and steep inclines). Wilson's Trail is also rated difficult at 1 mile.
Yes, the forest is great for hiking with little ones, offering a paved Childer's Trail that's less than a mile and easy to navigate.
Dogs are permitted on the first and third weekends of each month, making it a pet-friendly destination during those times.
Keystone Ancient Forest offers an all-terrain motorized wheelchair program called 'Action Track Chairs' for individuals with physical limitations, allowing them to experience the trails.
Expect to see ancient post oaks and red cedars, moss-covered stones, and beautiful views of the Arkansas River. The scenery is particularly lovely in spring and fall.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient trees themselves, moss-covered stones, and the scenic views of the Arkansas River offer great photographic opportunities. The forest's natural beauty is a photographer's delight.
Absolutely. The diverse terrain, ancient trees, and river views provide ample subjects for landscape photographers, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
While not guaranteed, the forest is home to various bird species, and you might capture images of local fauna. Listen for birdsongs for potential photo opportunities.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to inquire with the park management beforehand.
Spring and fall are particularly beautiful for photography, with vibrant foliage and pleasant lighting. Winter hikes also offer a unique, stark beauty. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack snacks and plenty of water, and consider visiting during the pet-friendly weekends if you want to bring your furry family members along.
+1 The opportunity to explore nature, see ancient trees, and enjoy scenic views makes for a memorable family outing.♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges
+1 This program is a game-changer, opening up the beauty of the ancient forest to a wider audience. In addition to the track chairs, the paved Childer's Trail provides an ADA-compliant option for easier access.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1 This allows you to explore the beautiful trails with your dog by your side. Remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails: A Hiker's Guide
If you're seeking a more strenuous workout, the Falls Trail is a 3.5-mile difficult route featuring packed dirt, numerous rocks, creek crossings, and steep inclines. Wilson's Trail, also rated difficult, is a 1-mile option for those wanting a shorter but intense hike. Many visitors appreciate the clear trail markings, which significantly enhance the hiking experience and help prevent getting lost.
Remember to prepare adequately for your chosen trail. Bringing plenty of water, wearing appropriate footwear, and applying sunscreen and bug spray are highly recommended, especially for longer or more challenging hikes.
Accessibility at Keystone Ancient Forest
+1This initiative has been met with immense gratitude from visitors who might otherwise be unable to access such environments. The track chairs enable a truly adventurous experience, allowing participants to navigate varied terrain and feel the thrill of the outdoors.
Beyond the track chairs, the paved Childer's Trail offers an ADA-compliant option for easier access, ensuring that even those with strollers or mobility aids can enjoy a portion of the forest's charm.
The Ancient Trees: A Living Legacy
These Crosstimbers forests are a rare and valuable ecosystem. The resilience of these ancient trees is a testament to their adaptation to the local environment. Visitors often express awe at the sheer size and age of these natural wonders, finding a sense of peace and wonder in their presence.
Preserving this ancient forest is crucial for ecological and educational purposes. It provides a habitat for local wildlife and offers a living classroom for understanding forest ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit