Nature Trail

Bernice State Park is a small but well-loved state park located on the northwestern shore of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in the town of Bernice, Oklahoma. Although modest in size, the park is one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations thanks to its beautiful lakeside setting and outstanding fishing opportunities. Grand Lake, one of Oklahoma’s largest reservoirs, attracts anglers from across the country and has earned the surrounding community the nickname “Crappie Capital of the World” because of its exceptional populations of white and black crappie. In addition to crappie, the lake supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and several other game fish, making it a year-round destination for recreational fishing. Visitors can launch boats from nearby ramps, fish from the accessible pier, camp beneath mature shade trees, or simply relax while enjoying expansive views across the water. The park is also home to the Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park Nature Center and the Bernice Nature Trail & Marsh Boardwalk, which introduce visitors to the rich wetlands and diverse wildlife that thrive along the lake’s shoreline.

This easy hike follows the Bernice Nature Trail as it meanders through woodlands, marshes, and lakeside habitats before reaching two elevated observation towers that provide panoramic views of Grand Lake and the surrounding wetlands. The first portion of the trail is paved, allowing wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the scenic surroundings, while the remainder transitions to a primitive footpath that offers a more natural hiking experience. Along the way, interpretive signs explain the importance of the marsh ecosystem, which provides critical habitat for fish, turtles, amphibians, and numerous bird species. Birdwatchers frequently spot great blue herons, egrets, belted kingfishers, wood ducks, and migrating songbirds depending on the season. The park’s wildflower demonstration plot is especially beautiful during the spring and early summer, when colorful native blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Benches and observation platforms provide excellent places to pause, enjoy the peaceful setting, and photograph the surrounding landscape. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the nature area offers visitors a relaxing combination of easy hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic lakeside vistas that perfectly complement the recreational opportunities found throughout Grand Lake.