Some of the of the least-known and most beloved hikes in the Tahlequah area are located at the J.T. Nickel Family & Wildlife Preserve fifteen to twenty minutes from Downtown Tahlequah. The Nickel Preserve has three trails totaling nearly four miles of total distance through a variety of ecosystems including forest, wetlands, and grasslands. 

If you find yourself exploring around the JT Nickel Family Nature Preserve over the weekend of October 17-18, you might come across a mob of thousands of trail runners and bicyclists hammering down the dirt roads of Cherokee County. Don't be alarmed, these athletes are competing in the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd Trail Run and Gravel Smasher and an elite few are attempting to complete a 100-mile run!

Cherokee Nation has been awarded a national award of excellence for being the 2020 Tribal Destination of the Year by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. This award is no surprise to those of us that work in the tourism industry in Tahlequah as the efforts by the Cherokee Nation to restore and promote their historical sites are extremely impressive. 

Arguably the world's most famous talking horse, Mr. Ed was a palomino with the ability to talk to his owner Wilbur Post. The Mr. Ed show ran from 1961 to 1966 and was one of the first TV shows to first premier in syndication and be later picked up by a prime-time network. Tahlequah locals have rumored that Mr. Ed was laid to rest in Cherokee County, but an article from NPR station KGOU from 2019 suggests that the horse grave outside of Tahlequah actually belongs to a Mr. Ed body double, Pumpkin, who died in 1979. 

Fall is one of the best times to visit the Tahlequah, Oklahoma area and there are apps and websites available to help you know when to plan your visit. 

Situated in Eastern Oklahoma at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Tahlequah, Oklahoma is a prime place to visit during the fall. Leafers will enjoy driving the numerous scenic roads and byways, hiking through colorful wooded areas, and taking a stroll through the historic downtown while the leaves change. Read more for some of our favorite locations to view fall color in and around Tahlequah.

The Lake Tenkiller area has a long history of flooding and tornadoes. Due to the most recent weather related events, the community around Tenkiller have joined forces in effort to sustain our beautiful lake. Trash and debris have accumulated on the shorelines and islands throughout the lake. Whether you are a community member or someone who just loves Lake Tenkiller we would love your help in making the best out of this event.

Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area is one of the iconic hikes in the Tahlequah, Oklahoma area boasting huge views of the Illinois River valley and the surrounding hills. There are many off-shoot trails off of the main trail that are more accessible during the fall and winter months. ​