LAST LOOK
6 Stellar Places to Hike with Kids this Fall ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY ERIN PAGE & MORGAN HARRIS Opt outdoors this fall to explore the best of Oklahoma’s hiking trails for kids!
1 Martin Park Nature Center, OKC This is the perfect place to develop little hikers’ endurance along the easy 2.5 miles of trails, plus you can punctuate the trip with a stop by the nature-themed playground and Visitor Center to see the live animals
on display. Early morning visits typically yield more deer, bird and other wildlife sightings.
2 Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman Also great for beginners, Lake Thunderbird offers 25 miles of well-marked, flat, easy trails. Note: trails are multipurpose, which means you may encounter cyclists.
3 Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur The merging of deciduous forest and mixed-grass prairie makes the trails here especially unique. Take an easy loop on the 2.7 mile Bison Pasture Trail, where, yes, you may see bison in the enclosed pasture. Or enjoy the challenge of 2.4 mile Bromide Hill, offering easy terrain but along a steep incline.
4 Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness, Tulsa A thick canopy of trees blanket the 600 acres featuring several trails, boulders and streams. Trails range from less than a mile to almost 6 miles in length. Don’t miss the new natural staircase!
5 Keystone Ancient Forest, Sand Springs Enjoy easy-to-moderate trails, even some that are paved, in this lush and varied landscape. Stop by the new Visitor Center for recommendations on the best hikes for your crew depending on ages and the recent rainfall. Note: the terrain here can be slick.
6 Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton The fall colors are especially vibrant in southeast Oklahoma. Take the .6 mile hike on the Robber’s Cave Trail to see where Jesse James and fellow outlaws are said to have hidden out. The terrain is rocky and requires a bit of climbing up and down but rewards with beautiful views. For more seasoned hikers, connect to the 3 mile Mountain or 2.7 mile Rough Canyon trails to extend your trip.
Find more fabulous fall hikes.
62 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2023
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