What if you could paddle a scenic river, mountain bike Ozark hills, hike to sunset cliff views, and fish for trophy bass all in one long weekend? In Cherokee County, you can. Tucked into the western edge of the Ozarks near Tahlequah, this underrated destination delivers a big adventure without big crowds. Whether you have three days or a full week, you’ll find more than enough ways to explore.
Hiking
Enjoy panoramic views of the Illinois River, hills and hollers covered in hardwood forests, whispering winds in the pines, and lake side trails. Sparrow Hawk Wildlife Management Area features breathtaking cliffside views of the Illinois River valley. The cliffs face west which makes for a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. This area requires an Oklahoma hunting or fishing license to hike, but we think the view is worth it. Other noteworthy trails include the Welling Ridge Trail System, Fossil and Whispering Pines trails at Sequoyah State Park, and the Burnt Cabin Cliff hike on Lake Tenkiller.
State Parks
Sequoyah State Park is the largest park in Cherokee County with 2,200 acres of land to play on and over 13 miles of shoreline on Fort Gibson Lake for land and water adventurers alike. Enjoy multiple activities including hiking, camping, fishing, a nature center, 9-hole golf course, and boating. Three Forks Nature Center is located within the park and features animal ambassadors, interactive exhibits, and programming. Sequoyah Lodge features mid-century modern architecture with 104 rooms, 45 cottages, event spaces, an outdoor pool, and views of the lake. Cherokee Landing State Park is a great jump off point on the northern end of Lake Tenkiller for boaters and fishermen. RV and tent sites are available along with a disc golf course and boat ramp.
Biking
Ride the hills and hollers of the Ozarks on single track trail or gravel road. Welling Ridge Trail System is a multi-use trail system designed specifically with mountain bikers in mind. This trail system features a pump track at the parking lot which is great for kids to learn and get comfortable before hitting the trail. These trails look unassuming at the parking lot but will take you on a winding journey through the woods, up and down hollers, and next to creek bottom bluffs that make the Ozarks feel special. Combine multiple loops for over 8 miles of trail. Hundreds of miles of quiet gravel roads wind through oak forests and rolling pastureland, where you’re more likely to see deer than traffic. Check out this link from Cherokee County Gravel Cyclists for routes on Ride With GPS. Don’t miss the Downing Brewery Ride which starts at a locally owned brewery and features 26 miles of gravel.
Floating
The Illinois River is a state designated scenic river that has floatable levels year-round. This gravel bottom river is home to clear waters, dozens of fish species, bluffs, bald eagles, and lots of wildlife. You can choose to use a float outfitter which provides kayak and raft rentals along with shuttling upriver, or you can bring your own boat and utilize the public access areas. Floaters bringing their own boat must purchase a day pass for $1 from the Grand River Dam Authority Scenic Rivers Office on Highway 10. Most floaters opt for a 6-mile float, but the truly adventurous at heart can do a multi-day float trip while camping at public access areas along the way. Please note that Saturdays are very busy, so if you are looking for a family-friendly or quieter trip, plan your trip for a different day of the week.
Fishing
Unique fish species, scenic beauty, and plenty of access combine to make our area a premiere fishing destination. Enjoy targeting unique species including Neosho smallmouth bass and paddlefish, or more traditional species like crappie, largemouth bass and catfish. Fort Gibson Lake is a great choice for catfish and paddlefish. Multiple paddlefish in the 100-pound range have been caught here making it one of the top destinations in the United States. Lake Tenkiller is known throughout Oklahoma as the destination of choice for smallmouth bass and holds healthy populations crappie and largemouth. The Illinois River flows into Tenkiller and unsurprisingly produces multiple smallmouths in the 6-pound range every year. Float or wade the Illinois River for the ultimate river fishing experience.
Weekend Adventure Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning hike at Sparrow Hawk → Afternoon float → Dinner in Tahlequah
Day 2:
Mountain bike Welling Ridge → Disc golf at Cherokee Landing State Park
Day 3:
Paddlefish fishing → Brunch → Visit the nature center at Sequoyah State Park
