Cussetah Bottoms Boardwalk Trail

Explore the great outdoors of east central Oklahoma with your best friend when you go on the Cussetah Bottoms Boardwalk Trail! This pup-friendly trail is located in the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1993 to protect the quickly disappearing bottomland hardwood forests in the region.

The trail starts as an asphalt path that you and Fido can access from the parking lot. As it heads into the lush bottomland hardwood forest surrounding the Deep Fork River, it gently slopes before eventually giving way to a wooden boardwalk. Follow this 1,200-foot boardwalk over a peaceful creek and into the wetlands that various wildlife call home.

This accessible, elevated trail offers several spots where you and your four-legged pal can pawse to fully appreciate the beauty all around you. Stop by the two wetland overlooks to admire the area's unique ecosystem, or have a seat on one of the benches to rest and enjoy the moment. A wildlife viewing blind is available on-site as well; let your pooch sniff around while you take a peek.

As you and Fido take a leashed stroll on the Cussetah Bottoms Boardwalk Trail, keep an eye out for great egrets, red-tailed hawks, dragonflies, and other critters. Should you spot something cool but aren't sure what it is, just refer to the several interpretive panels installed along the way.

If you and your pup are up for further exploration, there are miles of unimproved trails that lead to the Deep Fork River. Call first to check if the side trails are open, as these only have seasonal access.

Remember to bring enough water and clean up bags when you and Fido visit the Cussetah Bottoms Boardwalk Trail. It's hard to believe that this pawsome spot is rarely crowded, but that just means you and your pooch can have it all to yourselves!