Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area along a river in eastern Oklahoma containing mixed bottomland forests with hardwood trees. The refuge features multiple designated zones that visitors can explore on foot, each with different natural landscapes and vegetation.

The refuge was established in the 1990s to protect the last remaining bottomland forests in Oklahoma. The area still shows traces of older human activities such as former pecan orchards and railway routes.

The refuge offers educational programs to 2,000 students annually, including the Okmulgee County Archery Day and environmental conservation activities.

The refuge has walking trails of varying lengths with parking areas at multiple access points. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for different trail types, from open paths to wooden boardwalks.

The refuge serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds that pass through the region twice yearly. Bird enthusiasts can observe a wide range of avian species here.

Location: Oklahoma

Inception: 1993

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/deep_fork

GPS coordinates: 35.58330,-95.96670

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:27