Bluff Creek Park - Oklahoma City, OK
Bluff Creek Park – Dog-Friendly Getaway in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Bluff Creek Park is a hidden gem for dog owners searching for dog parks in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Known for its scenic, pet-friendly trails and peaceful ambiance, this park offers a unique escape into nature without leaving the city. With over 10 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, paved loops, open fields, and a quiet atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for active pups and their owners to explore. Wildlife sightings are common, adding to the park’s natural charm, and there are plenty of shaded areas to help you and your four-legged friend cool off during your adventures.
The park is equipped with practical amenities, making it a user-friendly spot for families and dog owners alike. You’ll find water fountains (including options for pets), dog waste stations, picnic tables, barbecue grills at pavilions, accessible parking, and benches along the route. There’s a separate playground and field ideal for both kids and dog training, plus port-a-potties and trash bins to keep the park clean. Its accessibility features and tranquil environment make Bluff Creek Park a favorite for those seeking dog-friendly hiking and relaxing outdoor experiences in Oklahoma City.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Bluff Creek Park? Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the park on the hiking trails and open fields.
- Are there dog waste stations and trash bins? Yes, there are dog doodie disposals and trash bins provided to help keep the park clean.
- Is there a water fountain for dogs? Yes, there is a water fountain at the beginning of the trail with options for you and your pet.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, there is a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, plus paved paths suitable for mobility devices.
- Are there picnic and barbecue areas? Yes, picnic tables and barbecue grills are available at the park’s pavilions.
- Are restrooms available? There are port-a-potties available onsite, but no permanent restroom buildings.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids? Yes, Bluff Creek Park features a separate playground, slides, swings, and field for games.
- Are there hiking and biking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park has extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a paved trail connecting to the Lake Hefner loop.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is plenty of parking at the front of the park, including handicap spaces.
- Are there shaded areas or shelters? Yes, there are pavilions, benches along the trail, and shaded spots throughout the park.
- Is the park muddy after rain? Yes, after heavy rains, certain trails can be muddy or flooded for up to a week.
- Are ticks and pests common in the area? Yes, especially during spring and summer, ticks and chiggers may be present along the trails.
Reviews
Nice hiking trails next to the lake. It is next to Pat Murphy Park. Pat Murphy Park is the playground area. There is plenty of parking and the whole area is well kept. There are several picnic tables scattered around. There are no grills at the tables only at the pavilions. There are several pavilions though. It is a nice place for walking around in nature without having to go out of the city.
One of my favorite parks in Oklahoma City. While slightly confusing, there is probably around 10 miles of mountain bike/hiking trail here that allows you to get away from the city without actually going anywhere. There is also a heard of deer that are very accustomed to people making sightings and relatively close encounters common. I have also seen possum, snakes (non-venomous), turkey, ducks, geese, heron, and lots of other wildlife here.
While I prefer the trail, there is also a paved trail that is about a mile and a half long and connects in either direction back to the main lake Hefner loop. And there are large fields that are often used for soccer primarily but I’ve also seen people doing other sorts of training or practice there
Additionally, there is children’s playground with separate parking from the main parking for the hiking/walking trail.
A variety of notes:
– There are pavilions that can be reserved through OKC parks. They seem significantly less busy than the ones at stars and stripes park at lake Hefner.
– There are port a potty’s but no regular bathrooms. They are serviced reasonably often. If I were using a pavilion, I would bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper as they don’t have sanitizer in them and have a limited supply of toilet paper.
– The entire park is somewhat sensitive to flooding with water overflowing even the paved trails leaving mud for about a week after extreme rain and making much of the hiking/biking trail unusable for about the same period. Per the sign posted, please avoid damaging the mountain bike trails by riding on them when they are muddy.
– There is minimal lighting which in the middle of winter means that a 6:30 pm walk can be really dark so bring a flashlight/get good lights on your bike.
– The trails can be quite confusing/disorienting and the posted map on the board is old and inaccurate. I’ve done a lot of hiking and try and keep my bearings when outdoors and somehow I get more turned around in the woods here than anywhere else on this planet. Bring your phone and GPS if you want to explore anything off the main hiking trail that goes to the pond and back.
– The less used/longer portions of the trails go all the way to 122nd street but traverse into clearings behind homes which can be a little startling as it feels like you’re out in the woods. Be cognizant of this.
– The trails get chiggers pretty badly in the summer and can become overgrown a bit which can lead to transference of poison ivy oils to other plants along the trails due to all the deer traffic. I have picked up both here and limit my visits in the summer or stick to the paved path. Additionally, while I have never gotten a tick here, I have noticed that the deer get them pretty badly in the summer. None of this is much of a concern for the open field, paved trail, or playground but if you are sensitive to these things, the mountain bike/hiking trails can be a little rough in the spring/summer months. I recommend pants even in the summer if you are hiking. I’ve only experienced these issues walking the trails, the elevation from the ground on a bike seems to reduce the issue significantly.
Finally, some notes on trail access. The main access point is the farthest north/right side of the parking area but there are a variety of options. The widest/most obvious trail will take you to the pond. If you take the trailhead to the right of that or turn right anywhere off the main trail, you will enter one of the more confusing parts of the trail that is quite lengthy as it loops back and forth to give the mountain bikers more distance. I don’t really enjoy walking that portion of the trail due to the looping back and forth but there are a few built features to play on with your mountain bike. If you take one of the trail heads to the left of the main one it will take you towards the main bridge/paved path entrance which you can go under and continue a loop all the way around the park. There is a path on both sides of the creek and a bridge for the trail on the south side.
Definitely agree with other reviewers that this park is a hidden gem in OKC. Really peaceful and enjoyable place to get some exercise walking the trails.
This place is one of my favorite getaways! It is huge, has plenty of trails that go for miles and you can be lost in the wonder of nature as you walk and take in the little river, clay dunes, and lake. I thoroughly enjoy how it offers the following things along the trail:
1. Port-o-Potties (2)
2. Dog doodie disposals
3. Water fountain at the beginning for you and your pet!
4. Calisthenic stations (3)
5. A side park for the little kids to enjoy with benches so the parents can be nearby
6. Benches along the trail if you need a small break
7. Bike trails both in the front and back of park
8. Plenty of parking at the front of the park and it’s best in the early morning
9. A side field for the kids or anyone to play pick up soccer or train your furry friends with a vast amount of space
10. Handicap parking for those that need it
11. Picnic area that has grills and trash bins if you should need them.
Overall, it’s a great location for friends and family that offers a variation of different activities for the you and the young at heart! Very happy to have access to this wonderful place! The deer also love walking through and eating as they make their way through the park to the nearby grounds.
Bluff Park is a hidden gem with beautiful, peaceful trails that make it a perfect spot for a relaxing escape. The trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views, providing a serene atmosphere that’s ideal for nature walks or a quiet moment of reflection. Whether you’re hiking or just strolling, the park has a calming vibe that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat with nice, scenic trails