Editor’s Note: The Bathtub Rocks are located on private property within the preserve, making it closed to the general public. In order to protect this natural feature, we ask that you do not trespass onto the area to view it.

One of the great things about Oklahoma is the number of places we can visit to unwind in nature. One of those peaceful places is J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve in Tahlequah. This 17,000-acre wildlife preserve boasts exceptional beauty in the rolling Cookson Hills of northeastern Oklahoma and it’s the perfect place to visit when you need to relax and enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors.

At J.T. Nickel, you'll fall in love with the views of the Illinois River, spring-fed creeks, waterfalls, forests, woodlands, and much more. Keep scrolling to see this hidden spot in Oklahoma that is unbelievably beautiful.
nickelpreserve/Facebook
The preserve was formed in 2000 and is located in the beautiful town of Tahlequah. It's open to the public and the perfect place to go for hiking, exploring and bird watching.
Jeff Alderson/All Trails
Your adventure in this beautiful land will take you to places you never knew existed in the Sooner State. Look at the scenic Bathtub Rocks that is tucked away in the foliage. It's a little geological water with a group of smoothed over rocks that form pools and slides.
louie hatler/google photos
The topography is very diverse within the preserve and every section offers something unique. If you venture off and explore, you'll come across steep slopes, narrow valleys, and flat land.
Bradley Higginbotham/Google Photos

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There are three self-guided nature trails in the preserve, ranging in length from .5 - 1.5 miles. The trails are great for viewing wildlife, butterflies, and wildflowers.
Jell Alderson/All Trails
The area is home to free-ranging elk. There are currently around 50 elk roaming the land, along with white-tailed deer, coyotes, black bears, bobcats, and many other animal species.
nickelpreserve/Facebook
No matter what season you visit the preserve, there's always something to do, see, and explore. There is no admission charge for visitors and the trails are open during daylight hours, seven days a week.
Jason/Google Photos
It's also a great place to enjoy fall foliage when the leaves change colors in the autumn months.
Terry Jerrard/Google Photos

Address: Tahlequah, OK, 74464

Click here to visit the J.T. Nickel Preserve Facebook page.

Another peaceful nature spot you’ll want to visit in the state is Martin Park Nature Center in Oklahoma City. Read all about it here.

 

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