Backwoods' contest inspires list of favorite Oklahoma outdoor offerings
BY JASON ASHLEY WRIGHT World Scene Writer
Thursday, January 10, 2013
1/10/13 at 4:54 AM
Sometimes, being an outsider pays off.
In the case of Backwoods' 2013 Ultimate Outsider contest, it paid off for 10 finalists, more than half of whom hail from Oklahoma: Becky Baker Busch of Bristow, Jenny Ladd of Stillwater, Brian Rasch of Edmond, Jordan Nelson of Ardmore, and Brooke Friedl and Frank Lawrence, both of Norman.
Backwoods, an outdoor gear and apparel retailer with a location at 6508 E. 51st St., held the second annual contest to allow people around the country an opportunity to share their adventures from across the globe on Facebook - all for a chance to win an all-expenses paid international adventure trip this summer.
The contest was created to inspire people to get out and experience the outdoors, according to a release from the Austin-based retailer.
Although Backwoods' contest is over, that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the outdoor offerings available in Oklahoma.
Here's a sampling of some places you can hike:
Keystone Ancient Forest
2.5 miles north of Prue Road, U.S. 412 exit, Sand Springs
This Saturday, enjoy a free hike 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free hikes are offered the second Saturday of every month, when volunteer trail guides help staff the parking lot and monitor each hike event. You can hike alone or, if there are enough trail guides available, someone may hike with you to help interpret the forest landscape.
For more, 918-246-2561.
Osage Hills State Park
2131 Osage Hills State Park Road, Pawhuska
Fishing is a favorite at Osage Hills, just west of Bartlesville. With lush forests, rocky bluffs and serene waters, this 1,100 acres is a challenge for hikers and mountain bikers.
Park gate hours are 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
For more, 918-336-4141.
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park
54101 E. Oklahoma 85 A, Bernice
On the northwestern corner of Grand Lake, this "Crappie Capital of the World" offers great fishing. Find a nature center, wildlife feeding area, two wildlife watch towers, and a one-mile paved path that's handicap-accessible. Nature center open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
For more, 918-257-8330 or 918-786-9447.
Sequoyah State Park
17131 Park 10, Hulbert
On the shores of Fort Gibson Lake, this park offers hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and Western-themed activities, as well as wildlife watching, golfing and camping. A two-mile paved trail in the park is perfect for hiking, biking, walking and running.
Open 24 hours; curfew 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
For more, 918-772-2046.
Greenleaf State Park
3 miles south of Braggs on Oklahoma 10 South
In addition to Greenleaf lake, find plenty of hiking trails.
Cabin office hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.
For more, including cabin pricing, 918-487-5196.
Tenkiller State Park
8 miles north of Gore on Oklahoma 100
Tenkiller boasts fishing, hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities. Tenkiller Scuba Park is a diver's dream, with sunken vehicles, planes and boats to explore. In some areas, glimpse remains of homesteads and artifacts from before the lake was formed. For more, 918-489-5641.
Original Print Headline: Outside appeal
