T H E S TAT E | O U T D O O R S
Hiking Highlights
As fall foliage begins to appear, take a trek through one of Oklahoma’s trails.
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The Black Mesa Summit Trail is a solid choice for autumn hiking and stunning fall foliage.
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klahoma is no stranger to natural beauty. From the Salt Plains to the Ouachita Mountains and the Tallgrass Prairie, these stunning destinations eagerly await a visit. Hiking any trail for the first time can be daunting, but the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department can help you prepare. “We have so much diversity in Oklahoma, whether it’s choosing a trail in Chickasaw National Recreational Area for [something] less demanding, or a more challenging trail in the Wichita Mountains – we have a guide for that,” says David White, the legislative liaison and public information officer for the department. The guide White mentions is free for anyone to access on the department’s website, and it can also be downloaded to your phone. White encourages everyone to be mindful of their necessities while on the trail, since safety should be the top concern. Make sure you have enough water and food for your hike and be aware of your surroundings. Keep in mind you’re in wildlife territory and be respectful of natural habitats. He also encourages people to respect and acknowledge their own abilities, as trails and hike options exist for most levels of athleticism. For those in northeastern Oklahoma, Tulsa River Parks’ Ryan Howell says Turkey Mountain is about to undergo significant upgrades. “We are in the process of renovating trails and rehabilitating forestry health. We’re also going to take all of
OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2021
the rutted-out trails that are causing erosional problems, and we will be realigning them so they’ll dry faster and improve forestry health,” he says. “We will also be adding amenities that are more family friendly, as well as being more accessible for those with mobility issues.” During this renovation phase, Tulsa River Parks will be working with Leave No Trace, a national organization based out of ColoThis is a familiar phrase to many rado that works to educate people who enjoy the outdoors, people about forestry and whether you were introduced to environmental health. it on a family hike, in scouting The idea is to keep Turkey or through Oklahoma’s Wildlife Mountain and all of OklaConservation Organization. homa’s natural resources The Leave No Trace organizaintact and thriving for tion is currently working with generations to come. Tulsa River Parks to improve It can take some planning educational opportunities for to curate the perfect outing, those enjoying the trails at but with mindfulness and preparation, you can enjoy Turkey Mountain. any of Oklahoma’s fantastic “People aren’t typically malinatural beauty options this ciously intending on harming the autumn. environment,” says Ben Lawhon, Favorite hikes for fall folisenior director of research age include Beaver’s Bend with Leave No Trace. “We offer State Park in Broken Bow; a framework for making good the Ouachita National Forest in extreme-eastern Okla.; decisions about how to make the outdoors enjoyable for everyone.” or Talimena State Park in Key principles are: the southeastern part of • Plan ahead the state. To the northeast, Grand Lake has miles of • Travel and camp on durable shoreline and beautiful surfaces rolling hills. Oologah Lake • Dispose of waste properly and Osage County are also • Leave what you find where particularly gorgeous for fall you found it enjoyment.
LEAVE NO TRACE
ERIKA BROWNING
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Minimize campfire impacts Respect wildlife Be considerate of other visitors
