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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristen | Family Adventure Travel | Midwest & Beyond (@midwesttravelmama) When Kristen Keeler — the travel writer behind Midwest Travel Mama — mapped out a long weekend in Tahlequah and Cherokee County, she was solving a specific problem: how to give her three kids real outdoor time without spending most of it strapped into car seats. Her answer was a three-day itinerary anchored at one property on the Illinois River, with drives to the next activity capped at about 45 minutes. For families within driving distance of Tulsa (1 hour), Northwest… Keep Reading
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Most weekends, Jason Christie is on the road chasing tournament checks — a Bassmaster Classic champion who’s earned a reputation as one of the most consistent pros in pro bass fishing. So when Christie does get a weekend off, where does he go? About 25 minutes from his home in Park Hill: Lake Tenkiller. In a recent reel from his Facebook page, Christie pulled back the curtain on what a “normal” Christie family weekend looks like on Tenkiller. No live wells full of contenders. No co-anglers. Just his family, his dog, a pontoon, and a lake that’s been in his… Keep Reading
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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… Keep Reading
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When autumn arrives in Oklahoma, few places capture the season’s magic like Cherokee County. Tucked away in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and home to stunning rivers, wooded hills, and rich cultural history, Cherokee County offers a perfect fall getaway for those craving nature, solitude, and small-town charm. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a leaf-peeper, or just someone looking to disconnect and recharge, this northeast Oklahoma gem delivers all the right ingredients for a memorable fall escape. 1. Fall Foliage That Will Take Your Breath Away Cherokee County bursts into color each fall as the hardwood forests that blanket… Keep Reading
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The Tahlequah Trails Association is thrilled to announce the completion of 2 new miles of trails at the Welling Ridge Trails, a mountain-bike-optimized, shared-use trail system set on 200 acres of stunning natural terrain. These new additions highlight the Association’s dedication to creating an inviting and challenging outdoor experience for bikers, hikers, runners, and walkers alike. Each trail at Welling Ridge Trails is thoughtfully named to honor individuals and groups that have contributed to the trails’ development and beauty. This tradition continues with the two newest trail segments: These new trails seamlessly connect to another 4 miles of completed trails… Keep Reading
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Spring’s official start is only four days away which means it is time to dust off the hiking boots, throw some snacks in your bag, and head out on the trail! Cherokee County has some of the best views in Oklahoma that make for some awesome hikes. Check out our top three picks below! 3. Pine Ridge Trail – JT Nickel Preserve 1.5 miles Easy Take a stroll through the pine trees in the beautiful foothills of the Ozarks. There is always the chance to see birds, deer, turkeys, and elk! The silence of the area is what stands out… Keep Reading
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Some of the of the least-known and most beloved hikes in the Tahlequah area are located at the J.T. Nickel Family & Wildlife Preserve fifteen to twenty minutes from Downtown Tahlequah. The Nickel Preserve has three trails totaling nearly four miles of total distance through a variety of ecosystems including forest, wetlands, and grasslands. Trails at the Nickel Preserve are easy to moderate in difficulty and the short distance makes them a fantastic addition to a scenic drive through Cherokee County. The Preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy and is well-kept throughout all seasons. Trail maps and conservancy literature… Keep Reading
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If you find yourself exploring around the JT Nickel Family Nature Preserve over the weekend of October 17-18, you might come across a mob of thousands of trail runners and bicyclists hammering down the dirt roads of Cherokee County. Don’t be alarmed, these athletes are competing in the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd Trail Run and Gravel Smasher and an elite few are attempting to complete a 100-mile run! The Run Runners of the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd will compete on a course of varying lengths including a 10-mile, 25k, 50k, 100k, and 100 mile. All runners participate on the same course that… Keep Reading
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Camping is a staple in the fall season. For some it’s taking their mobile campers to the lakeside and having a relaxing time. On the other hand some of us like to live dangerously, we enjoy a good challenge. If this sounds like you then you might be interested in these tips to a more natural camping experience! Ditch the Tent So you want to take on the challenge of roughing it? A good place to start is ditching your tent. You would be surprised by the things you can make when you are in the wilderness and freezing cold!… Keep Reading
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Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area is one of the iconic hikes in the Tahlequah, Oklahoma area boasting huge views of the Illinois River valley and the surrounding hills. There are many off-shoot trails off of the main trail that are more accessible during the fall and winter months. Enjoy a rigorous walk through pine and oak timber along rocky and dirt trails. Warm up and stretch before setting off as you will climb 500 feet almost immediately. Once to the top of the bluff you will descend and ascend in small increments. The views from the top of Sparrow Hawk… Keep Reading
