If you’re looking to book a cabin vacation soon, something you definitely want to make sure you take some time to go hiking on your trip! Hiking is an easy, fun way to get some exercise while also spending time with loved ones. However, hiking can seem a bit daunting to those who have never done it, and there are a lot of things that could go wrong if you aren’t prepared. Whether you're visiting Broken Bow for a cozy weekend escape or a full family getaway, hiking is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of southeastern Oklahoma. With stunning trails, scenic lookouts, and trails for all ages and skill levels, hiking in Broken Bow is a must-do. In this post, we’ll walk you through our top tips to make the most out of your hiking adventure during your cabin stay.

In order for your hike to be the best it can be, follow these tips:

Come prepared

Nothing is worse than having a hike ruined by injury or discomfort. To avoid this, you’ll want to prepare in advance for situations you may encounter on the trails. Some things to consider bringing are a map of the area, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit. You also may want to bring a hiking backpack to carry your supplies. If you pack the right things, you can ensure a happy, fun hike for you and your friends and family!

Bring snacks and water

Hiking is a great time- that is, until everyone starts to get hungry! Aside from your other essentials, you’ll want to bring plenty of nourishment for your group. When choosing snacks to bring, try to choose snacks that will keep you and your crew full and energized. You’ll also want to bring a refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated! TIP! Trail mix is a great snack to bring on your hike because it’s full of healthy fats and carbs! You can buy trail mix at the store, but if you have a little extra time, check out this guide on how to make your own trail mix! Many Broken Bow visitors love packing local goodies from nearby markets before heading into the woods. Don’t forget to check out some of Hochatown’s snack stops before your hike!

Research the area

A lot of great hiking trails can be found in state or national parks. Most of the time, these parks have rules and guidelines to help keep the area beautiful, as well as to keep patrons of the park safe. Do your best to respect Broken Bow’s beautiful trails and the surrounding Ouachita National Forest by picking up after yourself and staying on the trails.

Pick the right trail

Not every trail is made equal! If you have young kids with you, they probably won't want to hike 13 miles uphill. Most state parks have online or in-person guides to trails that include the length of the trail, the difficulty, and some of the landmarks you’ll pass along the way. Here is a list of the most popular trails in the area:

Friends Trail Loop 1.5 miles Skyline Trail 8.6 miles Cedar Bluff Trail 0.9 miles

Lookout Mountain Loop 2.9 miles

Tree Trail 1.2 miles

Lakeview Lodge Trail 3.5 miles

Spillway Loop 4.0 miles

Beaver Lodge Nature Trail 3.0 miles

Lakeview Lodge Trail (short) 1.4 miles

Lookout Mountain 1.9 miles

Most of these Broken Bow hiking trails are located near Beavers Bend State Park and offer breathtaking views, waterfall lookouts, and family-friendly terrain. Whether you're trekking the scenic Skyline Trail or strolling along the Tree Trail with kids, you're bound to find a favorite spot in nature. Don’t forget your park pass if you’re exploring inside the state park!

Take lots of pictures

On your hike, you’ll want to bring along your phone or a camera to capture the scenery! Hiking allows you to take a deep breath and enjoy nature, and taking pictures will allow you to share that serenity with your friends and family later. Plus, you’ll appreciate being able to look back on the memories.

Indulge in deep conversation

Out in the quiet beauty of nature, your mind has time to wander. Break the silence with a fun, interesting, or deep conversation starter. If you’re hiking with a significant other or someone close to you, this could be a great opportunity to talk about something you haven't had the time to. If you’re hiking with a group, take some time to get to know everyone a little bit better. If you choose, a hike can be a great way to deepen your understanding of your loved ones.

TIP! If you’re not the best conversationalist but still love to get to know people, We’re

Not Really Strangers is a card game with questions designed to help you and the person you play with understand each other on a deeper level. It’s easy to set up play, so throw it in your backpack and play it at a rest point!

If a deep talk is not your style, you can still bond with your friends or family through playing games. Playing a game such as iSpy or 20 Questions can be fun with kiddos, as it forces them to engage with the world around them and it keeps their attention span. You can also plan a scavenger hunt to make the experience even more fun and interactive.

Bonus Hiking Tips for Broken Bow Visitors:

• Start early to beat the heat, especially in summer.

• Download trail maps ahead of time—cell service can be spotty.

• Many trails are dog-friendly, so your pup can join too!

• Use AllTrails or Google Maps to navigate to trailheads with ease.