Fall is officially here. It might still feel like summer days out, but sooner or later we will start seeing crisp mornings and cool nights. The leaves will start changing and the days will get shorter. The hustle and bustle is upon with school back in session and the holidays just around the corner. I have noticed people are loosing the time loved by summer days to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Recently I was pondering how we all need a city escape. That is what has led me to rediscover one of my favorite places to go on an Oklahoma adventure, and it’s right here in Oklahoma City. Martin Nature Park located at 5000 West Memorial Road is the perfect place for a day adventure when you feel too busy to get away.
Living in the city we sometimes forget that we are surrounded by many different plants and animals that call this place home too. Now I am not referring to the pesky possum that tosses your trash can in the night or the squirrel that plays chinese fire drill with your car when you’re always rushed to get somewhere. I am talking about birds, butterflies, owls, coyotes, deer, or even bobcats. Martin Nature Park is home to many of these wild animals and on a typical day it is not uncommon to share the trail with some of them.
With 3.5 miles of hiking trails winding through through Oklahoma woods and grasslands this an ideal place for an outdoors escape. The Park also features one graveled trail that is wheelchair accessible making sure to meet the needs of all nature fans. These natural trails consist of gravel and packed soil with short stretches of moderate slopes and occasional steps.
Martin Nature park even has Sunday Nature Hikes where guests can learn about the nature of the season. In my opinion Fall is the most amazing season with the colors changing and animals preparing for winter. This would be a perfect time to load the family in the car and have a beautiful Sunday hike at Martin Nature Park.
Martin Nature Park offers guided park tours and nature hikes every Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Guided tours are just $2 per person and reservations are recommended, call 755-0676.
Special programming is also offered such as the upcoming 2nd Annual Fall Into Art Day on November 1st. Local artists will share nature inspired works of art and also share their techniques. There will be live music and snack all will enjoying the backdrop of the leaves changing colors.
Martin Nature Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park is closed on holidays and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
Every time you visit Martin Nature Park it’s a new experience. Animals and their tracks can always be found on the trail. Wether is be the middle of winter with fresh deer or bobcat tracks or the heat of summer and the woods are filled with singing birds. Martin Nature Park is the perfect place for a nature escape!
Happy Trails from Girl vs. Wild,
Jacquelyn Farris