Oklahoma State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in six state parks on New Year's Day as part of the America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.
America's State Parks Frst Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2012 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.
"We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks. First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks," said Kris Marek, Oklahoma State Park Director.
First Day Hikes will be held in the following Oklahoma State Parks:
- Arrowhead State Park at Lake Eufaula (918-339-2204) will begin their hike at 2pm. Guests are asked to meet at the park office to begin the one-mile hike.
- At Greenleaf State Park near Braggs (918-487-5622), guests will gather at the gazebo at the Kid's Fishing Pond at 1pm for the 1.5 mile hike, then enjoy a hayride to the community building afterwards.
- The hike at Lake Murray State Park near Ardmore (580-223-4044) will begin at 2pm at the new park office which is located at Hwy 77 and Lodge Road. The hike will be approximately .75 mile through the cabin area to the lodge.
- Hikers at Lake Texoma State Park (580-564-2566) near Kingston allows access to areas where waterfowl and bald eagle sightings could occur on the 1 mile hike. Guests are asked to meet at the Nature Center at 10am.
- In southeastern Oklahoma, Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton (918-465-2565) will host a hike beginning at 2pm. Guests can gather in the outdoor classroom parking lot for the .75 mile hike along am unpaved, but easily accessible, trail.
- Sequoyah State Park near Wagoner (918-772-2108) will host a .25 mile hike along the fossil trail located near the Three Forks Nature Center. Guests are asked to meet at the Nature Center, where the hike will begin at 10am.
All participating Oklahoma State Parks are offering hot chocolate and warm beverages at the completion of the hikes and encourage visitors to stay and explore other areas, or enjoy the quiet beauty of the parks in wintertime.
For more information about hike locations, difficulty, length and more, visit www.americasstateparks.org.
