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