Hike the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Hidden Trail in Oklahoma for an Unforgettable Adventure

What’s not to love about Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton? It’s no secret that it’s one of our favorite state parks in Oklahoma. From the caves to the towering rock formations to the rugged cliffs to the lakes to the scenic overlooks, and more, we can’t get enough of this 8,000-acre outdoor playground. I personally love it when a state park has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast, and this scenic state park doesn’t disappoint. In fact, if you’re a leaf peeper like me, you’ll want to add it to your fall excursions this year. Inside you’ll find the Mountain Trail to Lake Carlton and Lake Wayne Wallace trek that transforms into a spectacular autumn wonderland. This magical fall foliage hike in Oklahoma will certainly capture the heart of the nature lover in you.  

No matter the time of year, we recommend that you visit Robbers Cave State Park. The summer is great as you’ll witness landscapes brimming with lush greenery, but nothing beats seeing the breathtaking beauty of the autumn season. The park comes alive in the most magical way with hues of brilliant yellows, reds, and vibrant oranges. 

There are several trails where you can glimpse the best of the season, but we especially love the views from the Mountain Trail to Lake Carlton and Lake Wayne Wallace trail. At just over 6-miles long, this out-and-back trail covers enough landscapes that you can easily make a day trip out of it. It offers pretty views of Lake Carlton, Lake Wayne Wallace, and Coon Creek.

Plus, there are plenty of scenic spots to relax, especially along the waterways. If you’re a photographer, the rugged cliffs surrounded by the rich autumn colors of the San Bois Mountains are the perfect backdrop for your autumn pics. 

Bring the kids along for this fall foliage adventure, and the pup can come too, but be sure they remain on the leash. There will be plenty of boulders for them to scramble over as well as flowing creeks to make a splash. We recommend that you wear sturdy and water-resistant hiking boots as the trail is rugged, rocky, and wet in some areas. Also, it’s never a bad idea to download AllTrails so that you can access offline maps for easy navigation. You never know what cell phone service will be like in these rugged areas.

For those who are faint of heart and afraid of heights, you may want to stay away from the high cliffs, but you can still witness stunning fall beauty along this trek. You’ll be fully engulfed with autumn wonder inside the hilly woodlands as you meander through the mountains. I have no doubt that you’ll want to extend your trip. With approximately 10 trails offering their own taste of autumn, you’ll want to trek more of them. Plus, the dam area is great for exploring, fishing, paddle boating, and more. 

You can find the park off Highway 2 North in the San Bois Mountains of eastern Oklahoma. And the trailhead begins near Deep Ford Campground, so you might want to book a spot there.  

Have you ever been on this magical fall foliage hike in Oklahoma? Or to Robbers Cave State Park to see the beauty of the autumn season? Tell us below. 

Wondering how the park got its unique name? Check out our article about the outlaws that hung out inside Robbers Cave State Park.