Cross Timbers Mining Heritage Trail
Coal heritage roads through forgotten mining country
The old coal roads of eastern Oklahoma tell a story written in rust and reclaimed by blackjack oak. This route follows the historic mining rail grades and haul roads between Henryetta and McAlester, where ghost tipples still stand guard over flooded strip pits. The trail winds through the Cross Timbers forest, past the ruins of company towns like Alderson and Carbon, where foundation stones mark forgotten lives. Watch for the massive dragline bucket near Coalgate—a steel monument to the industry that built and broke this country.
Easy to moderate difficulty on mostly graded dirt roads with occasional rocky sections. Any high-clearance vehicle will handle it, though 4WD helps after rain when the clay gets slick. Spring wildflowers make April and May ideal, while fall colors peak in October. No permits required, but respect private property boundaries around active operations. Dispersed camping is possible on public lands near Robbers Cave State Park. Gas up in McAlester or Henryetta. This is living history—the kind of trail that connects you to the people who worked this unforgiving land.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1100 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | McAlester, Oklahoma |
| Land manager | Mixed ownership |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock truck or SUV without a lift handle this trail?
Yes — minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD, so a stock F-150, 4Runner, or similar rig handles it fine. 4WD isn't required but is handy if the dirt sections are wet.
What's the trail like in summer and winter?
Summer is rough — Oklahoma heat, humidity, and ticks make it miserable. Winter is passable but wet clay sections can get slick after rain. Stick to March–May or September–November for decent conditions.
Are there permits or fees to run this trail?
No permit required. It crosses mixed ownership land — some private, some public — so stay on the established route and respect posted signs. No entry fee as of current data.
What's the hardest part of the trail and what should I expect?
It's rated easy, so nothing technical. The toughest stretches are rutted dirt sections through low creek drainages that can get muddy after rain — that's where 2WD rigs might want to engage 4WD or air down slightly.
Is there water available along the route, and can I camp dispersed?
There are water crossings on the route — don't rely on them for drinking water without filtering. Dispersed camping is available, so pack your own water supply to be safe. McAlester is the nearest town to resupply before heading out.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.