Standing as Oklahoma’s first inductee into the Old-Growth Forest Network, Keystone Ancient Forest preserves a remarkable piece of American natural history across 1,360 acres in Sand Springs. This carefully protected wilderness showcases nature’s timekeepers: post oak trees that have stood for over 300 years and cedar sentinels dating back five centuries.
The forest’s documented history intertwines with American literature – famed author Washington Irving traversed these lands in 1832 during his military expedition through Indian Territory. Today, hikers can stand at Irving Point, the same lookout where the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” author once surveyed these ancient woods, more than a century before the nearby Keystone Lake was built.
Winding through this living museum, over 12 miles of trails accommodate every skill level, from the accessible paved Childers Trail to the challenging Falls Trail with its dramatic elevation changes and waterfall views. The preserve balances preservation with accessibility, offering innovative features like off-road Trackchairs that allow visitors with mobility challenges to explore beyond paved paths. While the forest maintains limited opening hours to protect its pristine environment, visitors can explore Thursday through Sunday, discovering a landscape that has remained largely unchanged since Irving’s time.
Hours & Best Times to Visit
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday: CLOSED
- Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Spring and fall offer the most rewarding hiking experiences at Keystone Ancient Forest. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and active wildlife, while autumn treats visitors to comfortable temperatures and stunning fall colors. During these peak seasons, morning visits provide the best opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography.
Summer hikers should plan early morning visits to avoid afternoon heat, particularly on exposed trails. Some trails may be closed and operating hours may be limited during excessive heat waves.
The Trails
From accessible paved paths to challenging backcountry routes, Keystone Ancient Forest’s trail system offers diverse hiking experiences across more than 12 miles of marked paths.
Childers Trail
- Length: 0.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Paved asphalt
- Time: 15-20 minutes
Named for the Sam Childers family, who donated land to the conservation effort, this ADA-accessible loop starts at the parking lot. The smooth, paved surface and gentle grade make it perfect for visitors of all abilities, including those using wheelchairs or Trackchairs.
Frank Trail
- Length: 2.8 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Compacted stone and bare soil
- Time: About 1 hour
Dedicated to the Irv Frank family, this trail offers a deeper venture into the forest. The varied terrain provides excellent opportunities to view ancient cedars and post oaks. While more challenging than the Childers Trail, the Frank Trail remains accessible by Trackchair. The halfway mark of this trail is the Washington Irving overlook where you can see a panoramic view of Keystone Lake.
Wilson Trail
- Length: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Natural terrain
- Time: About 1 hour
Added in 2014 and named for Chris Wilson, this challenging trail features more rugged terrain. Due to its narrow passages, this trail is not accessible by Trackchair but rewards hikers with unique perspectives of the ancient forest.
Less Traveled Trail
- Length: 4.1 mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Gravel and natural terrain
- Time: 2-3 hours
Opened in 2017 to commemorate the preserve’s tenth anniversary, this trail lives up to its name by offering a more secluded hiking experience. The path showcases some of the forest’s most pristine sections.
Falls Trail
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Surface: Natural terrain
- Time: 2-3 hours
The newest and most challenging trail, opened in 2021, leads adventurous hikers through previously unexplored areas of the forest. Notable features include seasonal waterfalls and significant elevation changes. The trail’s difficulty comes from its steep sections and natural obstacles, making it best suited for experienced hikers.
Savanna Trail
- Length: 0.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Dirt
- Time: 15 minutes
Unveiled in 2025, the Savanna Trail is a short loop near the Fire Road terminus that showcases the 10-acre butterfly savanna the Parks Department has spent several years cultivating. Native wildflowers seeded across the savanna support Monarch butterfly migration and other native pollinators, making this one of the more quietly remarkable spots in the preserve. The trail is Trackchair accessible.
Fire Road Trail
- Length: 0.8 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Dirt, sand, and gravel
- Time: 25–30 minutes one way
The Fire Road Trail is the spine of the Keystone Ancient Forest trail system. Running 0.8 miles one way with a gradual uphill climb, it connects to every other trail in the preserve — the Less Traveled, Savanna, and Falls trails are accessible only through it, and it briefly overlaps with both the Frank and Wilson trails along the way.
A few scenic overlooks punctuate the route, and for hikers who want to reach the Washington Irving overlook without grinding through the switchbacks on the first half of the Frank Trail, the Fire Road offers a considerably gentler alternative path to the same destination.
Ancient Trail Trek
The Ancient Trail Trek, held each February, offers runners a unique opportunity to experience Keystone Ancient Forest’s challenging terrain through 5K, 10K, and 15K race options. The event showcases the preserve’s natural beauty while supporting park maintenance through race proceeds.
For specific dates, registration information, and course maps, visit the Keystone Ancient Forest Facebook page or contact the visitor center.
Facilities and Resources
Visitor Center
The $1 million Irv and Sharna Frank Visitor Center serves as the gateway to Keystone Ancient Forest. This modern facility provides trail maps, hiking recommendations, and expert staff to answer questions about the preserve. A small gift shop offers local artisan items, trail gear, and souvenirs.
Amenities
Clean, modern restrooms are available at the visitor center during operating hours. While water fountains are provided, hikers should bring their own water bottles and snacks, as no food service is available on-site. The parking area is well-maintained, lit, and monitored, with designated spaces for both standard vehicles and accessible parking.
Trail Resources
Free trail maps are available at the visitor center, where staff can provide current trail conditions and hiking recommendations based on skill level and time constraints. First-time visitors are encouraged to stop by the visitor center for a brief orientation before hitting the trails.
Hiking with Disabilities
Accessible Trails
Keystone Ancient Forest leads the way in accessible outdoor recreation with its 0.6-mile paved Childers Trail. This ADA-compliant path offers smooth surfaces and manageable grades, making it an ideal option for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility devices, or those who prefer a gentler hiking experience.
Trackchair Program
Thanks to a donation from Phillips 66, the forest offers two specialized off-road Trackchairs that allow visitors to explore beyond paved surfaces. These motorized chairs use tank-style treads to navigate the Forest’s natural terrain, providing access to the Frank Trail and portions of the Fire Road Trail. While the narrower Wilson Trail, Falls Trail, and Less Traveled Trail remain inaccessible by Trackchair, visitors can still experience significant portions of the preserve.
Planning Your Visit
To reserve a Trackchair, call 918-246-7795 or complete the online reservation form. A staff member will contact you to arrange your visit. All Trackchair users must be accompanied by a friend or caregiver who can assist if needed. Early morning visits are recommended for the most comfortable experience.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
- Sand Springs – Historic downtown district featuring local shops and restaurants, just minutes from the forest. Home to the Case Community Center and charming Main Street area.
- Mannford – Waterfront community on Keystone Lake known for its fishing tournaments, marina facilities, and lakeside dining options.
- Keystone State Park – Lakeside recreation area offering swimming beaches, boat ramps, fishing piers, and camping facilities. Features both RV sites and rustic cabins for overnight stays.
- Keystone Lake – 26,000-acre reservoir perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports, surrounded by scenic bluffs and waterfront recreation areas.
- White Water ORV Park – Off-road vehicle park providing designated trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles along the Arkansas River, just below the Keystone Dam.
- Tulsa – Oklahoma’s second-largest city just 20 minutes away, featuring the acclaimed Gathering Place park, world-class museums, and diverse dining options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in the forest?
Dogs are welcome only on designated days: the first Saturday and third Sunday of each month. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
How much does it cost to visit?
There is no admission fee to visit Keystone Ancient Forest.
How do I reserve a Trackchair?
Call 918-246-7795 or fill out the online reservation form. A staff member will contact you to arrange your visit. All Trackchair users must be accompanied by a friend or caregiver.
What trails can I use with a Trackchair?
Trackchairs can access the Childers Trail, Frank Trail, Savanna Trail and portions of the Fire Road Trail. The Falls Trail, Wilson Trail, and Less Traveled Trail are not accessible by Trackchair due to narrow paths and terrain.
What should I bring for hiking?
Bring water, comfortable hiking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. While there’s a visitor center with restrooms, there’s no food service on-site, so pack snacks if needed.
Can I go off-trail to explore?
No. To protect the delicate ecosystem and preserve the ancient trees, all visitors must stay on marked trails.
What makes this forest special?
The preserve features rare old-growth forest with 300-year-old post oaks and 500-year-old cedars. It’s Oklahoma’s first inductee into the Old-Growth Forest Network and contains historically significant areas, including a lookout point visited by author Washington Irving in 1832.
What is the nearest hotel to Keystone Ancient Forest?
The Holiday Inn Express in downtown Sand Springs features a seasonal outdoor pool and convenient location to downtown shopping and dining.
