These hikes are part of the America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative that takes place in all 50 states and encourages individuals and families to stay active with a hike outdoors. Whatever your motivation, an Oklahoma hike makes for a New Year’s Day you won’t regret.
Embark on a simple walk close to natural wonders at Boiling Springs State Park, encounter wildlife and waterside views on the trails near Lake Murray and everything in between on one of these invigorating excursions. With over 20 participating parks across the state, there’s sure to be a hike happening near you. Dress warm, wear sturdy shoes and get ready to develop a healthy habit while discovering Oklahoma’s abundant nature. There will be commemorative tokens and stickers for hikers, but supplies are limited and only available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Parking Pass will be waived at participating parks during the First Day Hikes.
Northeast
Arrowhead State Park - Canadian
- Time: January 1 at 10am and 2pm
- Meeting location: Park office
- Name of trail: Trivia Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 1.3miles
- Things to bring: Binoculars, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing
- More information: Call 918-339-2204. Hot Chocolate will be provided after the hike.
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park - Bernice
- Time: January 1 at 11am
- Meeting location: Nature Center
- Name of trail: Nature Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Easy
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 1-mile
- Things to bring: Binoculars, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, hiking shoes
- More information: Call 918-257-8330
Natural Falls State Park - Colcord
- Time: January 1 at 10am
- Meeting location: Parking lot located at Drippings Springs trailhead.
- Name of trail: Dripping Springs Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (not ADA-friendly due to hills and slopes)
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 0.5 miles
- Things to bring: Layered clothing, close-toed shoes, binoculars, camera, water.
- More information: Call 918-422-5802. Pets require leashes and waste disposal bags.
Osage Hills State Park - Pawhuska
- Time: January 1 at 10am
- Meeting location: Ballfield
- Name of Trail: Woodland Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 2 miles
- Things to bring: Binoculars, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing
- More information: Call 918-336-4141. Park will have a fire going and hot chocolate provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and/or hot dogs to cook.
Tenkiller State Park - Vian
- Time: January 1 at 10am
- Meeting location: Nature Center
- Name of trail: Lakeview Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Easy
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 2 miles
- Things to bring: Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, Binoculars, camera, water. Pets require leashes and waste disposal bags.
- More information: Call 918-776-8180. Hot chocolate will be provided after the hike.
Southeast
Lake Wister State Park - Wister
- Time: January 1 at 9am
- Meeting location: Park Office
- Name of trail: Interpretive Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate
- Length of trail: 3 miles
- Things to bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, hiking shoes
- More information: Call 918-649-0525. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
McGee Creek State Park - Atoka
- Time: January 1 at 1pm
- Meeting location: T Hill Campground
- Name of Trail: Potapo Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 1.4 miles
- Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars, camera
- More information: Call 580-889-5822. All children must be accompanied by adult at all times. Pets require leashes and waste disposal bags. Coffee and other refreshments will be available at T Hill campground.
South Central
Lake Texoma State Park - Kingston
- Time: January 1 at 9:30am
- Meeting location: Running Deer Trailhead in Ben's Campground
- Name of trail: Running Deer Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate
- Pets on leash allowed: No
- Length of trail: 2.8 miles
- Things to bring: Water, camera, binoculars, layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, snacks
- More information: Call 580-564-2566. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Central
Lake Thunderbird State Park - Norman
- Time: January 1 at 1pm
- Meeting location: Discovery Cove Nature Center
- Name of trail: Clear Bay Trail System or Turkey Pass Paved Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate or Easy
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 2 miles or .25 miles
- Things to bring: Hiking shoes, binoculars, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing
- More information: Call 405-360-3572. The 0.25 mile paved trail is ADA-compliant and this hike will occur at the same time as the other hike.
West
Boiling Springs State Park - Woodward
- Time: January 1 at 1pm
- Meeting Location: Park Office
- Name of trail: Spring Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Easy
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 0.75 mile
- Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars and camera
- More information: Call 580-256-7664
Fort Cobb State Park - Fort Cobb
- Time: January 1 at 11am
- Meeting location: TBD
- Name of trail: Heart Healthy Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Easy
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 4 miles
- Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars, camera
- More information: Call 405-643-2249. The length of the trail and hike will be weather dependent.
Foss State Park - Foss
- Time: January 1 at 2pm
- Meeting location: Cedar Point Shelter
- Name of trail:Great Western Heart Healthy Trail sponsored by AARP Oklahoma
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 2 miles
- Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars, camera
- More information: Call 580-592-4433 or check the Foss State Park Facebook page. If inclement weather occurs on day of event, event will be rescheduled.
Great Plains State Park - Mountain Park
- Time: January 1 at 11am
- Meeting Location: Park Office Parking Lot
- Name of trail: Granite Hills & AARP Heart Healthy
- Degree of difficulty: Moderate and Easy
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 3 miles and 1-mile
- Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, warm clothing, binoculars and camera
- More information: Call 580-569-2032. Heart Healthy trail is stroller-friendly and ADA compliant. All pets must be on leash and with owner at all times.
Roman Nose State Park - Watonga
- Time: January 1 at 9am
- Meeting Location: Lodge
- Name of trail: ADA Paved Trail
- Degree of difficulty: Easy
- Pets on leash allowed: Yes
- Length of trail: 2.8 miles
- Things to bring: Water, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars and camera
- More information: Call 580-623-4218. Hike starts at lodge, goes down to spring area and comes back the same way.
