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J T Nickel Family Nature And Wildlife Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 78 Google reviews · Running trail in Tahlequah, Oklahoma · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from J T Nickel Family Nature And Wildlife Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
The largest protected conservation area in the Ozarks, featuring elk and hiking trails.
What runners say about J T Nickel Family Nature And Wildlife Preserve
“Beautiful area that is instrumental to the reintroduction of elk to the Illinois river basin.”
“It was well marked with what appears to be new signage.”
“We’re giving this place 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It was so peaceful and very well taken care of.”
This place is a hidden gem! So many trails and the road through offers some pretty nice views of the Oklahoma hills. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll run across the heard of elk that call the area home. The winter months host eagles, as well. A great place to get lost for the day!
What a wonderful place! The Savanna and Pine Ridge Trails take you through the beautiful Ozark Mountains ecosystem.
Nice trails and drive through nature. The roads were rough in some places getting to the preserve with water running over in several spots. The roads on the preserve were good with a few rocky sections. The trail around Elk Island was submerged but we still had a good walk.
The Preserve land is beautiful and well maintained. We parked at the Headquarters and easily found the trailhead for the Pine Ridge Trail. It was well marked with what appears to be new signage. We only had time to walk the Pine Ridge trail but will return to complete the others soon.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful area that is instrumental to the reintroduction of elk to the Illinois river basin.”
“We’re giving this place 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It was so peaceful and very well taken care of.”
“The trails, except one, are all non gravel so be prepared for ticks (we had a good amount before we even finished) But the scenery on the trails is great.”
“We parked at the Headquarters and easily found the trailhead for the Pine Ridge Trail.”
“It was well marked with what appears to be new signage.”
“The roads on the preserve were good with a few rocky sections.”
Plan your run at J T Nickel Family Nature And Wildlife Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenature.org
- Phone+1 918-207-0671
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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