Weekend getaways do not have to be pricey, complete with fancy hotel rooms and expensive restaurants. Instead, the next time you consider scheduling a romantic weekend away from home, think about spending those two days hiking in the mountain paradise that is McCurtain County, in Southeastern Oklahoma.
Miles and miles of breathtaking trails await you in the region, with paths for both novice hikers looking for an easy stroll and for those who are more experienced, avid trekkers wanting a more challenging hike. Beavers Bend Resort Park is a great choice for the budget minded hiker, because it includes Beavers Bend State Park, which offers free admission.
Whichever trail you choose, you and your honey will be surrounded by nature’s best. The Ouachita Mountains, which unlike most mountain ranges run east to west, offer stunning views and glimpses of wildlife along the way.
The park contains seven trails:
South Park Trail
This one mile route is for the take it easy hiker. For the most part, South Park Trail is level and flat, but still offers an opportunity to see Bald eagles flying overhead and other wildlife along the way.
The Junction with South Park Trail
Also one mile long, this trail is another one the novice hiker or those who want to get back to nature, but only for a little while. Like the South Park Trail, it is relatively flat and offers a relaxing walk.
Beaver Creek Crossing Trail
This trail is a little more challenging. At 1.5 miles long, the Beaver Creek Crossing Trail has a few steep climbs. This trail is a good choice for those who are just beyond the beginner hiker.
Deer Cross – Cedar Bluff Trail
This trail is a bit more challenging than Beaver Creek Crossing, but still suitable for those who are not yet intermediate hikers. At two miles long, the trail contains several climbs, but they are not overly steep ones.
Cedar Bluff – Beaver Lodge Trail
At six miles long, this trail is fairly difficult. It contains lots of steep grades that will be fun for the more serious hiker.
Skyline Trail
This trail is aptly named and is for only the most experienced hikers who can withstand elevation hiking. It is six miles long and contains a lot of steep terrain, but you will find that the climb is well worth the effort when you see the spectacular mountain views from the top.
The David Boren Hiking Trail
Named after the U.S. Senator and former governor of Oklahoma, this 16 mile trail is the ultimate hiking challenge. The trail starts at the low water dam at Beavers Bend Lake and then connects with the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail. This trail is well defined, narrow, and full of steep grades. A multi purpose, mountain biking trail also runs for four miles, wandering over creek bottoms and along the tops of ridges.
As well as having a choice of trails to hike in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, you also have an array of choices when it comes to lodging. There are hundreds of affordable cabins to choose from tucked in the pines of the Kiamichi Mountains. Beavers Bend Resort Park has a 40 room lodge, 47 cabins for rent, RV hookups, and sites for tent camping. For cheap weekend getaways, look no further than the Beavers Bend State Park area, which is also easily accessible, being only a two to four hour drive from Dallas/Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Little Rock, and Shreveport.
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