Kick Off 2026 with AARP Oklahoma with First Day Hikes at Oklahoma State Parks

Start the new year on the right foot with AARP Oklahoma-sponsored First Day Hikes at 14 Oklahoma state parks on New Year’s Day. This nationwide tradition, launched by state park systems, encourages people to begin the year with healthy outdoor activities and to keep the momentum going all year long.



Bundle up, lace up your hiking boots, and embrace a fresh start surrounded by Oklahoma’s scenic landscapes. Plus, don’t miss your chance to enter to win a $500 gift card through the AARP Oklahoma Outdoor Experience sweepstakes.

Northeast
Arrowhead State Park - Canadian
• Time: January 1 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Meeting location: Park office
• Name of trail: Trivia Trail
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate
• Pets on leash allowed: Yes
• Length of trail: 1.3 miles
• Things to bring: Water, binoculars, camera, 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 11 a.m.
• 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: Water, hiking shoes, warm clothing, binoculars, camera
• More information: Call 918-257-8330.

Natural Falls State Park - Colcord
• Time: January 1 at 10 a.m.
• Meeting location: Parking lot located at the Dripping Springs trailhead
• Name of trail: Dripping Springs Trail
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (not ADA friendly with the hills and slopes)
• Pets on leash allowed: Yes
• Length of trail: 0.5 miles
• Things to bring: Layered clothing, binoculars, closed-toed shoes, camera. Pets require leashes and waste disposal bags.
• More information: Call 918-422-5802.

Osage Hills State Park - Pawhuska
• Time: January 1 at 10 a.m.
• Meeting location: Ball Field
• Name of trail: Woodland Trail
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate
• Pets on leash allowed: Yes
• Length of trail: 2 miles
• Things to bring: Water, binoculars, camera, weather-appropriate clothing
• More information: Call 918-336-4141. Park will have a fire going and Hot Chocolate. Guests can bring own snacks and/or hot dogs to cook.

Tenkiller State Park - Vian
• Time: January 1 at 10 a.m.
• 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, binoculars, closed-toed shoes, camera. Pets require leashes and waste disposal bags.
• More information: Call 918-776-8180. Hot chocolate will be provided after the hike.

Southeast
Lake Texoma State Park - Kingston
• Time: January 1 at 9:30 a.m.
• 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: Layered clothing, binoculars, closed-toed shoes, snacks camera.
• More information: Call 580-564-2566. All children accompanied by an adult at all times.

Lake Thunderbird State Park - Norman
• Time: January 1 at 1 p.m.
• 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 0.25 miles (ADA accessible)
• Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars and camera.
• More information: Call 405-360-3572. Meet at the Nature Center.

Lake Wister State Park - Wister
• Time: January 1 at 9 a.m.
• 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 accompanied by an adult at all times.

McGee Creek State Park - Atoka
• Time: January 1 at 1 p.m.
• 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 and camera.
• More information: Call 580-889-5822. All children accompanied by adult at all times. Please make sure to bring your leashes and pet waste bags. Coffee and other refreshments to be set up at T. Hill campground.

West
Boiling Springs State Park - Woodward
• Time: January 1 at 1 p.m.
• Meeting Location: Park office
• Name of trail: Spring Trail
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Pets on leash allowed: Yes
• Length of trail: 0.75 miles
• 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 11 a.m.
• 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 and camera.
• More information: Call (405) 643-2249.

Foss State Park - Foss
• Time: January 1 at 2 p.m.
• Meeting location: Enclosed Cedar Point shelter above the marina.
• Name of trail: AARP Oklahoma Great Western Heart Healthy Trail
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate
• Pets on leash allowed: Yes
• Length of trail: 2 miles
• Things to bring: Water, hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars and camera.
• More information: Call 580-592-4433 or check the Foss State Park Facebook page. If inclement weather occurs on the day of event, we will reschedule.

Great Plains State Park - Mountain Park
• Time: January 1 at 11 a.m.
• Meeting Location: Park Office parking lot
• Name of trails: Granite Hills and AARP Oklahoma Heart Healthy Trail
• 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, camera
• More information: Call 580-569-2032. Heart Healthy trail is stroller and ADA friendly. All pets must be on a leash and with owner at all times.

Roman Nose State Park - Watonga
• Time: January 1 at 9 a.m.
• 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, binoculars, camera, weather-appropriate clothing
• More information: Call 580-623-4218. Starts at the lodge, goes down to the spring area, and comes back the same way.