Quartz Mountain State Park participating in First Day Hikes

LONE WOLF — Quartz Mountain State Park is among the state parks across Oklahoma that will participate in First Day Hikes.

The hikes are part of the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative designed to encourage families to stay active by scheduling hikes on the first day of the new year. In Oklahoma, 20 parks are participating in the First Day Hikes program, while two others (Fort Cobb State Park and Great Plains State Park) are participating in First Week Hikes on Jan. 6.

Quartz Mountain State Park, located 18 miles north of Altus on U.S. 283/Oklahoma 44, has scheduled two hikes for First Day: an 11 a.m. hike for the 1 mile Twin Peaks Trail and a 1 p.m. hike for the 3-mile Baldy Point Trail. The 11 a.m. hike, rated easy, will meet in the lobby of Quartz Mountain Lodge; the 1 p.m. hike, rated difficult, will meet at the park office. Trekking poles are recommended for the Baldy Point Trail.

Getting there from Lawton: West on U.S. 62 to Altus; north from Altus on U.S. 283, then Oklahoma 44 to the entrance of Quartz Mountain State Park. Follow Oklahoma 44A through the park to reach the park office; follow the mountain road to reach the lodge. Information is available by calling (580) 563-2238.

Two other state parks in Southwest Oklahoma have hikes scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 6.

At Fort Cobb State Park, participants should meet at the Eagle’s Nest Pavilion for a moderate 3-mile hike. Eagles Nest Pavilion is located at County Street 2530 and Eagle View Road. Getting there from Lawton: U.S. 44 to U.S. 62 to Oklahoma 9; follow Oklahoma 9 through Fort Cobb to County Street 2530, then north to Eagle View Road. Information at (405) 643-2249.

At Great Plains State Park, participants should meet at the park office for a moderate 5-mile hike on the AARP Oklahoma Healthy Heart and Nature Trail. Getting there from Lawton: U.S. 62 west to U.S. 183, north 7 miles to E1570 Road into the park. The office is located at 22487 E. 1566 Road within the park. Information at (580) 569-2032.

Information on other Oklahoma State Parks participating in First Day Hikes is available at travelok.com/articles/first-day-hikes-at-oklahoma-state-parks.