Spring in your steps
Several years ago, I remember reading a magazine article about how we really are not made to be stuck in living rooms or office cubicles. The idea of the article pertained to how being out in nature is healthy. That's a fact so many of us already knew and appreciated, especially this past year. There are those who would also say it is true that Mother Nature can actually heal. Statistics and studies back up that claim.
Spring officially begins March 20, and spring break is the start of “the season” at Oklahoma state parks.
After a particularly harsh and very cold winter, this will be the first time not only for visitors to return, but as spring weather wraps its environmental arms around us, flowers and migratory species also will make their way back.
State park campgrounds are open and predictably very full this year as pandemic life lends to visiting nearby destinations with lots of open air.
Horseback riding in various state parks such as Beavers Bend, Arrowhead, Robbers Cave and Roman Nose is always a fun thrill and a wonderful way to enjoy the surrounding beauty of an area. At Roman Nose State Park for example, you can experience the beautiful landscapes from the breathtaking gypsum rock cliffs to the peaceful natural springs. When you enjoy outdoor adventures, specifically seeking serenity in the saddle, you can't go wrong with a horseback ride in a state park.
It has been said hiking in nature is not only good for us physically but mentally, as well. There is something to be said about enjoying a hike through a wonderful and peaceful park trail. When hiking, your mind can settle into a peaceful cadence accompanying your leisurely strike. You can relish in the serenity of being outdoors and embrace t he opportunities that lie ahead.
Robbers Cave State Park has one of the more elaborate trail systems. It has about 22 miles total of hiking trails, but that also includes multi-use trails, too.
Several heart healthy trails can be found at state parks around the state such as the Bernice area at Grand Lake State Park, Boiling Springs, Great Plains State Park, Fort Cobb, Foss, Lake Thunderbird State Park and Lake Murray State Park just to name a few. The heart healthy trail at Lake Murray State Park is a half mile which runs through the woods and by several cabins. It' s paved so a trip to the end and back, and you've got a mile in which you've gotten some good exercise surrounding by nature! Sequoyah State Park has seven trails totaling 12 miles and all are different. At any of the state park trails, you will be able to find one to meet your needs, and you can select from different skill levels.
You can fish year round in Oklahoma, but more people seem to hit the l akes when spring arrives. Some just enjoy t he sport of boating on an Oklahoma lake, and certain state parks have marinas such as the ones at Sequoyah and Greenleaf. Don't forget about kayaking at places like Lake Murray, Cherokee Landing, Greenleaf and Clayton Lake.
Hitting the golf course at a state park is very popular, and given Oklahoma's weather, you can hit the links year round. Several parks have disc golf, too.
Foss State Park and Sequoyah State Park also have swim beaches to enjoy. Before the true heat of the summer engulfs us, Little Sahara State Park offers dune buggy and ATV riding on 1,600 acres of
incredible sand dunes.
All kinds of spring break activities can be found and enjoyed at state parks from arts and crafts to enjoyable and education nature programs. So when you visit a state park, always go by the nature center. You can take Segway tours at Beavers Bend State Park, along with some nature walks.
At Bernice Nature Center the week of March 17-20, they will have such activities such as Nature's Textures Scavenger Hunt and a LIVE Animal Program called Reptile Rhymns.
At Greenleaf State Park, you can catch the Greenleaf Craft Show, March 19-20.
Hayrides, cane pole fishing and guided hikes will be taking place at Robbers Cave State Park during some of the park's March weekly activities.
And at Sequoyah State Park on March 19, you can “Learn about our Native legless friends” with the Snake Program at the Outdoor amphitheater across from t heir Nature Center. The times are 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. And those are just a few of the multitude of activities going on during the month of March at state parks.
Not all spring ac ti vities are outside. If you have never done so, may I suggest taking a guided cave tour at Alabaster Caverns State Park. Considered to be one of the state's most unique treasures, this is one of the world's largest gypsum caves.
For a complete list of outdoor and spring break activities, along with information for RV and tent campsites or booking a cabin or lodge room at an Oklahoma state park, go to Travelok. com.