A cool babbling stream passes alongside a gentle walking trail. Lazy afternoon breezes cascade past the hikers, the swimmers, the adventurists who are here seeking refreshment. We are all shaded by a forest of gently swaying oaks and sycamores – their branches arching majestically overhead like the ceiling of a cathedral. This beautiful place is sensory bliss with delicious sights, sounds, and experiences.
During our visit to South Central Oklahoma, Chris and I took time to visit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and hike one of the many trails in the park. Our afternoon trek took us past the visitors center and up a hillside to the springs that serve as the headwaters of Travertine Creek and eventually make their way into the Lake of the Arbuckles. The trail is an easy hike that attracts many of the park’s visitors with the stream, swimming holes, and natural springs. Along the way, hikers enjoy several gently cascading waterfalls and ponds. The water is clear, clean, and refreshing. It invites all who walk the trail and most partake, even if only to dip a toe into the flowing water.
This trail was reminiscent of my youth in Colorado. In the early summer I often went hiking with friends in the mountains. We crossed mountain rivers fed by snow melt and enjoyed relaxing and swimming when the opportunity presented itself. The water was memorably cold and refreshing and friendships that developed on those hikes have lasted a lifetime. This is why I enjoy hiking so much – hiking is an opportunity to explore and discover new places, but it’s also about developing friendships and connections along the way. In Chickasaw, the same sense of excitement and connection was present.
Along the way we stopped and visited with some of the other hikers. One offered to take our picture, other hikers exchanged ideas with us on great things to experience in the park, we sat together taking in our surroundings. Without ever meeting or knowing any of the other hikers, there was an instant bond. Everyone was immediately friendly and it was like we had already met. Conversation was easy with a sense of relaxation and comfort not normally present when meeting someone new.
We started up the trail expecting a hike, what happened along the way was so much more than we expected. There are few words that can capture the experience of being so connected to a place or an experience, so you will have to go try it for yourself. Stop by the Chickasaw National Recreation Area for a hike the next time you’re in South Central Oklahoma.
