Statewide First Day Hikes, Free Admission at Oklahoma State Parks

Oklahoma State Parks is kicking off the new year with guided hikes and free parking

OKLAHOMA CITY — On New Year’s Day, Oklahoma State Parks will offer free guided hikes and free parking to all Oklahomans looking to ring in the new year outdoors. Staff and volunteers will lead hikes on New Year’s Day at 21 state parks, with separate guided hikes at Fort Cobb State Park in Fort Cobb and Great Plains State Park in Mountain Park on Jan. 7.

First Day Hikes are part of a national effort led by America’s State Parks to promote outdoor recreation.

“We couldn’t be more excited to ring in the new year by welcoming hikers from all over the state to our parks,” said Shelley Zumwalt, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department Executive Director. “Our First Day Hikes are a fantastic way to explore Oklahoma’s state parks, and we can’t wait to see you!”

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

OTRD’s Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt will join first-day hikers at Lake Thunderbird State Park in Norman.

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 1 at 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Lake Thunderbird State Park, 13101 Alameda Dr, Norman, OK 73026. The hike starts at 1 p.m. at the Discovery Cove Nature Center, located at 1201 Clear Bay Ave, Norman, OK 73026.

WHO: Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt and Oklahomans hiking in the First Day Hikes

Director Zumwalt will be available for interviews as well as Oklahomans joining in on the fun of the First Day Hikes.

^{Adventurers of all ages can embark on a First Day Hike at a participating park, including McGee Creek State Park in Atoka. Photo provided by The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.}

Visitors to Oklahoma State Parks on New Year’s Day are not limited to guided hikes. They can hike any park at their own pace and enjoy outdoor recreation options like horseback riding, mountain biking and golf.

^{Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton is one of many Oklahoma State Parks where visitors can participate in a First Day Hike. Photo provided by The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.}

Northwest

Boiling Springs State Park – Woodward
Roman Nose State Park – Watonga

Northeast

Arrowhead State Park – Canadian
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park -Bernice
Lake Eufaula State Park – Checotah
Natural Falls State Park – West Siloam Springs
Osage Hills State Park – Pawhuska
Sequoyah State Park – Hulbert
Tenkiller State Park – Vian

Southeast

South-Central

Lake Murray State Park – Ardmore
Lake Texoma State Park – Kingston

Southwest

Foss State Park – Foss
Fort Cobb State Park – Fort Cobb
Great Plains State Park – Mountain Park
Quartz Mountain State Park – Lone Wolf

Central

Lake Thunderbird State Park – Norman

Click here to learn more about First Day Hikes at Oklahoma State Parks.

Media Contact: Rylie Mansuetti, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation DepartmentRylie.Mansuetti@TravelOK.com | 405-243-1063

Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department 123 Robert S Kerr Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (800) 652-6552

About the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation DepartmentThe Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department works to preserve, maintain and promote the state’s natural assets and cultural richness through tourism. Oklahoma State Parks, which oversees the state parks, lodges and golf courses, is a division of the department. Oklahoma State Parks’ mission is to advance the exceptional quality of life in the state by preserving, maintaining and promoting Oklahoma’s natural assets and cultural amenities. Travel Promotions, another of OTRD’s divisions, administers programs designed to build awareness of the state as a destination and educates on the economic importance of the Oklahoma travel and tourism industry. To learn more about the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, visit TravelOK.com.