I was still itching for a good, hearty hike that wasn’t desert. I love greenery; I’m dying to do a hike in a real rain forest one day (it’s on the bucket list)!

And I found the place that made Oklahoma stay permanently in my heart for years to come. The Chickasaw National Recreational area.

There’s lakes, rivers, streams: you name it. Heard of that term babbling brook? I’m convinced it originated here.

I was so excited at one point to see the water that I pulled over and watched a family playing in the river a little further down. The sound of the rushing water, which was surprisingly clear, was exciting to hear. A mother was nursing her baby nearby, which added to the beauty of the scene. I left to give her privacy and made my way to the nature center to get some info on where I could hike.

I talked to the ranger and got a map for the small hikes near the center. The trails would set me back a few hours and I’d probably get home around midnight but I didn’t care! I had to see it.

It did not disappoint.

I crossed rocky bridges and listened to the water. I hopped over stones and felt like I was a little kid again. Ponds encrusted with algae with tiny fish popping to the surface. I discovered springs with fresh water and dipped my toes into the shockingly cold water (how did these people just go swimming in it)??

The sun shone through the canopy above and created rainbows on the river, lighting up the lily pads.

You can boat, fish, hike, and camp here. Miles of it. The colorful tents I saw pitched when I drove off made me wish I could spend more time out here.

I vowed to come back here one day. But for now, the wind turbines lined the path back to Texas for me.