Bixhoma Lake Trail Hiking Guide
Lake Bixhoma is a City of Bixby lake southeast of Tulsa, and the Bixhoma Lake Trail circles most of it through rocky post-oak woods. Close the loop on the lake road and you have a quiet half-day hike with a creek ford, a bluff-top overlook and a short detour to Bixhoma Falls.
Distance and Loop
Hiking Project maps the dirt trail at 2.3 miles, with about 187 feet up and 190 down, and says the full circuit is about 3.5 miles once you add 1.2 miles of road walking along the lake. That loop is the figure this page uses; the road stretch adds a little climbing that the 187 feet doesn't count. Hiking Project rates it difficult, mostly for footing. Its contributor warns of very rocky sections and hidden roots and stumps.
Which Way Round
You can hike it either way. From the east end, an old doubletrack runs half a mile before the trail proper begins, and from there yellow or orange flags mark the way around the lake to the Bixhoma Bluff Trail junction. The western section is less worn and more sparsely marked. Expect a creek crossing 20 to 30 feet wide; after heavy rain, or a long dry spell, Hiking Project says you may wade ankle- to calf-deep or rock-hop across.
Bluff Trail and the Falls
For a high route, the Bixhoma Bluff Trail runs 1.2 miles through the woods above the west side, marked with orange blazes, and a signed spur leads to a small overlook of the lake. Near the lake outlet, the 0.1-mile Bixhoma Falls Trail drops to the base of a waterfall Hiking Project's contributor puts at about 50 feet. Hiking Project also notes cascades on the Bluff Trail's seasonal creek after recent rain.
Parking, Hours and Rules
The City of Bixby lists the lake at 18019 S. 161st East Ave., open 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Hiking Project gives 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., so go by the city's posted hours. You can park near either end of the trail, by the boat ramp, or by the picnic shelter and dock on the north side. The road to the west end can be rough with deep puddles, so Hiking Project tells drivers of low cars to park elsewhere. Hikers pay no fee; the city license applies only to state-registered boats. Hiking Project lists the trail as leashed-dogs-OK.
Best Times
Spring and fall are the best seasons; Hiking Project lists fall colors and spring among the trail's features. Expect soft, muddy stretches on the Bluff Trail after a lot of rain. Bass fishing is popular here, so expect anglers along the shore and at the docks.
Hiking tips for Bixhoma Lake Trail
- Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet for the creek crossing.
- Park on the north side if your car sits low; the west road is rough.
- Add the Bluff Trail and the overlook spur for lake views.
- Take the 0.1-mile side trail to the base of Bixhoma Falls.
- Watch for roots and stumps hidden in the leaves.
Nearby trails to explore
- Yellow Trail (Turkey Mountain)
- Frank and Wilson Trails (Keystone Ancient Forest)
- North Woods Loop (Oxley Nature Center)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Lake Bixhoma is a short drive from Tulsa and an easy outing to organize. Post a loop on TrailMates, settle the parking spot and start time in the event's group chat, and finish with the falls. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.