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Parallel Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 182 Google reviews · Running trail in Lawton, Oklahoma · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Parallel Forest'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.
Wildlife refuge offering opportunities for hiking and biking, and home to free-roaming bison.
What runners say about Parallel Forest
“One of many beautiful spaces in and around the Wichita Mountains to explore and take in all that Oklahoma outdoor has to offer.”
“We didn't hike or walk the whole thing either but what we did see was nice , I got peaceful vibes here.”
Small but free parking lot. A short walk but really cool going through the trees and the creek was really cool to see. Trails are somewhat marked but using the All trails app will help. Highly recommend this place.
One of many beautiful spaces in and around the Wichita Mountains to explore and take in all that Oklahoma outdoor has to offer. The equally lined trees make the entrance to this forest almost surreal and as you walk further into it, you will come across a stream that separates it from a rocky landscape with some…
We visited here over the weekend and took some neat pictures. We didn't hike or walk the whole thing either but what we did see was nice , I got peaceful vibes here.
Cool place to hike. Supposedly haunted. There is an "altar" if you go far enough east and slightly north of the main entrance. Looks like a campfire with some rocks. Nice Creek area north east of main entrance and cool rocks to hike around. It gets eerily quiet at times and we enjoyed it.
Trail conditions & character
“One of many beautiful spaces in and around the Wichita Mountains to explore and take in all that Oklahoma outdoor has to offer.”
“We didn't hike or walk the whole thing either but what we did see was nice , I got peaceful vibes here.”
“Easy to find, small parking lot and short walk into the forest.”
Plan your run at Parallel Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- Websitefws.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Elk Mountain Trail
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