Tag Archives: hiking

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area

I first started hiking at the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area in Spring of 2009.

I had no clue I would still be going on a weekly bases in 2011! Two years and I still like to hike there.

I go once a week with other mom’s and we all make are children hike also!

We are mean like that…

And you know what?

For the most part they really enjoy it!

There are meltdowns.

Mostly from my two.

And some tears.

Mostly from me.

But there is also a lot of laughter and awe.

We are setting these kids on a path to get out and enjoy nature. I think a few tears are worth it.

Even if they are mine.

There are three main trails that are marked.

The Red Trail is a .8 mile loop

The Blue Trail is a 1.5 mile loop

The Yellow Trail is a 4.4 mile loop

There a LOT of unmarked trails so if it your first time you really need to pay attention.

I have been going for two years and I STILL need to pay attention.

Of course I am one of those people that get turned around just by looking over my shoulder.

I recommend bringing a compass with you.

Red trail is south going out and North heading back the others are North heading out and South to get back. For the most part.

The moms that have stuck by me and hiked with me over the last two years are awesome and I want to thank them.

They made me life easier by going into the woods with me and enjoying the beauty God has given us.

I will miss it if I ever leave.

I am blessed.

Keystone State Park Mountain Bike & Hiking Trail

The Keystone State Park Mountain Bike & Hiking Trail is a mouthful…and it is located between the Keystone State Park and the Keystone Dam on 161 in NE Oklahoma.

It is a beautiful somewhat secluded feeling Trail with different levels of difficulty.

Green Trail- Novice

Blue Trail-Intermediate

Red Trail- Advanced

Black Trail- Expert

Although the Park office located in Keystone State Park does have a trail map I would suggest printing off a color version (here) before going since theirs is black and white and you cannot see the colors of the trails.

The trail difficulty seems to be more for bikes then hikers so if you plan on hiking the trail you will find the “expert” to not be as difficult to hike as most trails with that difficulty rating.

The trails are pretty rough on your feet as there are a lot of rock’s so wear sturdy footwear.

My youngest got a ride this time since he was “helping” his Dad train for a harder hike he and I are going on in the summer.

The picture on the right gives you an idea of what the trail looks like. Lots of rocks.

It was my favorite hiking weather, cloudy and misty. It made everything damp and beautiful!

I am so glad we went!

Everything was blooming and beautiful.

I love it when there is just a hint of spring everywhere.

 

Talimena Scenic Drive

For my birthday this year we went down to the Ouachita National Forest to hike!

We have done this for the past three years and I have enjoyed it everytime!

For those of you that are dying of curriostity…

I am 27

I remembered!!!

I have trouble forgetting how old I am.

I get weird looks from people when I say that.

mylittlemanWe stayed in a cabin in Lake Wister State Park

It was a pretty nice cabin and very reasonably priced.

It is about thirty miles north of Ouachita National Forest.

hawkThis hawk was begging to have his picture taken.

You could tell by the fact he was flying away from me.

walkingstickWalking sticks everywhere! I have never seen so many.

upinthetrees

silhouteI took a similar picture the first time we hiked here so I had to try for another one!

It was windy and cold.

My subjects were less then willing.

But I won, that is all that matters.

driveFound this little side road while we were driving on the Talimena Scenic Byway! I love it!

If you live in the Eastern part of Oklahoma you have to take a drive on the Talimena in the fall! Breathtaking!

talimenalow

talimenascenicSee? You know you want to be here.

talimenaI wanted to move here.

My husband very sweetly reminded me that it does not look like this all year round.

I think it does.