July arrives in Choctaw Country like a song – bright, bold and brimming with freedom. It’s a time when the days stretch long and generous, the skies deepen into endless blue and the great outdoors calls with a voice too tempting to ignore. There’s no better way to celebrate the height of summer than by stepping into the wild beauty of our state parks. Here, under the full glow of the sun, life slows down in the best possible way. Trails wind through cool forests and across sunlit ridges. Lakes shimmer like polished glass, inviting cannonball splashes and quiet paddles alike. Campgrounds hum with the scent of charcoal and pine, and evenings settle in with a symphony of cicadas and crackling fires. In July, nature feels wide open – ripe for adventure, reflection and a little bit of wonder. Whether you’re hiking toward a hidden overlook, skipping rocks with the kids or simply soaking up the silence, our state parks offer space to breathe, to explore and to reconnect with what matters most. BEST PARKS TO SEE WILDLIFE If you’re hoping to spot a white-tailed deer at dawn or watch a heron glide silently across the water, McGee Creek State Park offers countless opportunities to witness nature in its purest form. With its secluded trails and dense woodlands, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers, photographers and anyone who enjoys a brush with the wild. For an even wilder experience, head to Hugo Lake State Park, where the shoreline teems with birdlife and the surrounding forests echo with the calls of owls and woodpeckers. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to quietly observe animals going about their daily rhythms – no screens, no distractions, just you and the wilderness in soft July light. BEST PARKS FOR HIKING Beavers Bend State Park offers some of the most scenic routes in the region. Winding through pine forests and along the Mountain Fork River, the trails here feel like something out of a storybook – each bend revealing a waterfall, a rock outcropping or a glimpse of deer darting through the trees. Another gem is Talimena State Park, gateway to the breathtaking Talimena National Scenic Byway. Its trails offer sweeping vistas of the Ouachita Mountains, particularly rewarding in the golden light of early morning. And don’t forget Robbers Cave State Park, where rugged terrain and elevated overlooks provide both a physical challenge and a visual reward. Once a hideout for outlaws, the park now invites modern-day explorers to climb, wander and marvel at its sweeping views of the San Bois Mountains. BEST PARKS TO ENJOY WATER ACTIVITIES Lake Wister State Park is a summer favorite, offering swimming, boating and fishing in a peaceful, postcard-worthy setting. Bring the family, rent a kayak or simply float the afternoon away as the sun sparkles off the lake. At Raymond Gary State Park, the water is calm and welcoming – perfect for paddleboarding or casting a line from the dock. Pack a picnic and make a day of it, watching the kids splash along the shoreline while dragonflies dance overhead.