Friends Trail Loop: The Best Hike in Broken Bow

Whenever we travel, one of the first things we look for is a great hike. It’s something our whole family loves, and over the years it’s given us some of our favorite bonding moments together.

So on our recent trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, we knew we had to track down the best trail in the area.

After a little research, Friends Trail Loop quickly rose to the top of our list and turned out to be the perfect choice.

Tucked inside Beavers Bend State Park, Friends Trail is the most popular hike in the area, and has turned into one of our must-visit spots in Broken Bow.

Plus, the payoff is great for a hike that is only 1.5 miles long. (Hint: waterfall views!)

In this post, I’ll share our experience, including what to expect and a few tips to know before you go. (Including how to avoid the parking mistake we made. 😅)

At a Glance

Here’s a quick sneak peek of the trail details:

How to Get to the Friends Trail Loop Trailhead

The Friends Trail Loop trailhead is easy to find on Google Maps, but keep in mind you probably won’t have cell service once you get close.

👉 I recommend downloading the map ahead of time so you’re not stuck if you lose signal.

If you’re coming from Hochatown (where most of the vacation rentals are), enter Beavers Bend State Park from Highway 259A. From there, turn right onto Beavers Bend Road, and you’ll see the trailhead on your right.

Look for the black “Friends Trail” sign marking the start of the hike.

Parking and Restrooms

There’s a small parking lot right at the trailhead, but it does fill up quickly on busy weekends.

Keep in mind, you’ll need a pass to park here.

There’s a sign with a QR code where you can pay, but since you may not have cell service, it’s a good idea to buy your pass ahead of time or swing by the Beavers Bend State Park Nature Center to purchase one in person.

We learned this the hard way when we tried to park but ended up having to backtrack to pay for a parking pass. 🫠

As for restrooms, there aren’t any at the trailhead or along the trail. The closest option is at the Nature Center, which is just up the road.

What to Expect

Friends Trail Loop is a 1.5-mile hike that makes a full loop, so you’ll end up right back at the parking area when you’re done.

The trail starts off winding through the trees, where you’ll find lots of shade and some uphill sections.

It’s important to note that the path isn’t perfectly smooth, with some uneven terrain and plenty of tree roots sticking out.

There also isn’t always one obvious trail through the woods, so be sure to keep an eye out for the blue hiking markers on the trees to stay on track.

Once you make it through the forested section, you’ll be rewarded with the best part of the hike: views of the Mountain Fork River and the beautiful waterfalls. It’s a gorgeous spot to take photos or just sit for a bit and enjoy the scenery.

From there, the trail follows along the river for a while (my favorite part), before looping back through the woods and returning to the trailhead.

Want to see exactly what it’s like before visiting? Check out our video below! 👇

Tips for Hiking Friends Trail

• Wear good shoes: Hiking shoes or sneakers with solid traction are best, since the trail is fairly dusty (or muddy after rain). If you’re hiking as a family, make sure to check out out our favorite hiking must-haves for kids.
• Bring water: A water bottle or hydration pack is a must, especially if you’re hiking on a warm day.
  👉 This is the hydration pack our kids used.
  👉 This is the hydration pack my husband and I used.
• Download maps ahead of time: Cell service is spotty, so download the trail map on Google Maps or AllTrails before you go.
• Sort out parking before your hike: If you don’t have service at the trailhead, grab a parking pass at the Beavers Bend State Park Nature Center first so you’re covered.

Note: If you haven’t yet booked your Broken Bow accommodations, our family of six loved this cabin with a hot tub! It’s the perfect spot for an Oklahoma getaway.

Plan Your Broken Bow Adventure

This gorgeous hike was easily one of our favorite parts of Broken Bow. In fact, any time someone asks about what do there, it’s always at the top of my list.

While it’s beautiful in every season, it especially shows off in fall with the colorful fall foliage.

It wasn’t too tricky for our four kids, and the views are just beautiful. A win all around!

As you’re planning out your adventure, don’t forget to check out our guide to the best things to do in Broken Bow! It’s filled with the best family-friendly attractions in the area.