Arbuckle Mountains Honey Creek Mining District Trail
Granite quarry roads through Oklahoma's oldest mountains
Cut into the billion-year-old granite heart of the Arbuckle Mountains, this network of quarry roads and mining tracks explores Oklahoma’s forgotten mineral extraction history. The 22-mile route connects active and abandoned limestone quarries around Honey Creek, following haul roads that once moved massive stone blocks to railheads in Davis. Key challenges include the Burma Road switchbacks up Turner Falls gorge and the technical rock scramble through Broken Boulder Canyon, where massive granite slabs create narrow, off-camber passages that demand precise wheel placement.
Difficult rating for good reason—sharp limestone edges and loose rock require heavy-duty tires and skid plates. High-clearance 4WD minimum, with low-range essential for steep quarry ramps and technical descents. Best attempted late fall through early spring when flash flood danger subsides. The area offers excellent geology education, remnant mining equipment, and spectacular views across the Washita River valley. Primitive camping available at Turner Falls Park, but bring everything—nearest supplies are in Davis, 15 miles away.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 22 mi / 35.4 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1420 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Davis, Oklahoma |
| Land manager | Private/State mixture |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but skid plates are non-negotiable on the granite and limestone rock sections. Lockers or at minimum a limited-slip rear will save you on the steeper technical pitches — don't show up on all-seasons and expect a clean run.
Is this trail accessible in summer, or is it miserable in Oklahoma heat?
Technically drivable year-round, but summer in the Arbuckles means brutal heat, high humidity, and heavy tick and snake activity on the trail edges. The best season runs October through April — cooler temps and drier conditions make the rock sections far more manageable.
Do I need a permit to run the Honey Creek Mining District Trail?
The trail crosses a mix of private and state-managed land, so access rules can shift. Check current conditions with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and confirm any private landowner postings before you go — trespassing issues have historically affected access in this area.
What's the hardest section, and what am I actually dealing with?
The granite rock gardens mid-trail are where rigs get sorted out — loose embedded rock, off-camber shelf sections, and ledge drops that will hang up anything without adequate clearance. Articulation matters here; expect to spot each other through at least a handful of moves if you're running a less flexible platform.
Are there water crossings on this trail, and how deep do they get?
Yes, Honey Creek crossings are part of the route and depth varies significantly with rainfall — after heavy rain they can go from ankle-deep to door-panel deep fast. Check recent weather before you leave Davis, and if it's been raining hard in the days prior, assume the crossings are higher than any trip report you read online.
Trail track
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