Midland Valley Trail

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Midland Valley Trail is a 13.6-mile trail located in the state of Oklahoma.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. The trail offers scenic views of the Arkansas River and passes through several historical landmarks and points of interest.

Some good reasons to visit the Midland Valley Trail include its accessibility, scenic beauty, and historical significance. The trail is easily accessible from several entry points and offers a variety of terrain for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail passes through lush forests, open meadows, and rocky cliffs, making it a diverse landscape to explore.

Specific points of interest along the Midland Valley Trail include the Keystone Ancient Forest, a 1,360-acre protected area that includes a forest of old-growth trees and rare plant species. The trail also passes by the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, where visitors can see barges and other watercrafts navigating the Arkansas River.

Interesting facts about the Midland Valley Trail include that it was once used as a railroad line for transporting oil and gas. The trail follows the path of the Midland Valley Railroad, which operated from 1904 to 1972. The trail also passes through the town of Owasso, which was once a stop on the railroad line.

The best time of year to visit the Midland Valley Trail is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy, making it less enjoyable to explore the trail during these times.

Overall, the Midland Valley Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a scenic and historically significant outdoor experience in Oklahoma.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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