Friends Trail Loop Trailhead — Attraction in Broken Bow

The trail is well-marked, has a clear path, and was almost entirely free of thoughtless hikers’ trash. There is a $10 parking charge ($8 if you’re an Oklahoma resident) and an app you can use to render unto Caesar his tax. Please note that in just the brief time we spent in the parking lot (driving in and, later, leaving), there was a Park Ranger truck checking vehicles twice. In other words, cough up the fee or you’ll get a fine. Parking is plentiful, however, and easy to find from the road.

The entrance to the trail is through a large, decorative gateway and the initial 200 yards or so is up a rather steep incline. Weather permitting, you will soon hike by a scenic brook that makes its way to the river Depending on whether you take the river path first or the hill path first, your next trail could be a long and steepish climb. The “hill path” is through a forest—quiet and peaceful—and the other hikers we found were friendly (and more than a few were winded from the climb). The loop seems to be about 3 miles round-trip. I would suggest bringing water with you if the temperatures are above 70 degrees.

The “river path” takes you by the White River and it is beautiful: Craggy shores, waterfalls, clear waters, and a chilly breeze blowing off the water. It was a perfect day for our hike and we were pleasantly surprised to find such scenery in Oklahoma.

I would recommend the hike those seeking a peaceful walk in the woods; those wanting an experience greater than a walk in the park but not too taxing; those wanting to see Oklahoma’s natural beauty.

I would not recommend this hike to the mobility challenged, those in poor physical condition, or if you have balance issues. Restroom facilities are...

This is going to be an honest review, no disrespect to anyone else who reviewed this location but some of you didn’t tell the truth. Let me preface this review with this, I am a 50 year old active man and weigh about 250 lbs. If you have knee or joint issues this trail is not for you, if you have weak ankles this trail is not for you. If you have balance or stability issues this trail is not for you. The trail starts off innocently enough with a moderate trail, rocks and tree roots everywhere to stumble over but no big deal. You come across a tiny little bridge over an innocent little creek, once you get past that get ready. My wife and I should have known how bad it was by the looks I was getting by the folks on their way out but we kept going. To keep a long story short it was all uphill for about 20 mins then it leveled out and was uphill at a steep incline for about another 20 mins. After that it was flat ground and a treacherous decline towards the river. That wasn’t even the rough part, the hard patch was the trail beside the river where the trail was washed away and it was side sloped and jagged rocks and tree roots. Again, this was only difficult because of my size and age, if you are young and healthy have at it but if you are like me beware. Do not let this discourage you at all, just know that it will be a challenge. I know you can do it but it’s always good to know exactly what to expect going in.

I forgot to mention the views, they are beautiful once you get down to the river, we’ll worth the hike. If you just want the views and not the hike go left after the bridge and straight to the river then go back the way you came, it won’t be as bad. If you’re up for a workout go...

Okay so when you first go down the trail you'll go across the wooden bridge well some kind of bridge. If you take a left of the bridge it is a shortcut to the water. If you follow the arrows and go up either arrow blue or orange you have a very steep climb ahead of you. There is a nice reward for doing that Steep Climb with a beautiful view of the river. Once you get to the river you can take the lower path next to the water or the higher path. The higher path is a little treacherous lots of rocks and tree roots sticking out of the ground. Very narrow in places. If you are in good shape you should have no trouble. However if you have bad ankles or your asthmatic. I would definitely caution you to make a left after the little bridge. PPS I conquered the hill and the treacherous areas. Would I do it again...