Texas State Parks hold ‘ruck' hikes to raise awareness for veterans…

Texas State Parks hold ‘ruck' hikes to raise awareness for veterans' mental health

Veterans and active-duty military can get free entry to state parks by bringing documentation to park headquarters, but TPWD recommends visitors do this in advance, not the day of their hike. People looking to spend time outdoors in September can help support military veterans at state parks around Texas.

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People looking to spend time outdoors in September can help support military veterans at state parks around Texas. Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes will be held at 20 Texas State Parks, coinciding with Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Rucks, a type of walk with a weighted backpack, are frequently used as remembrances or to raise awareness for veterans' causes.

How it works

"We want to show our support and bring awareness by letting people know that they are not alone in this fight.
Department said community members and veterans are welcome to join a hike with or without a weighted bag.
Nature can be healing and we want to provide that for them," said Nichole Mechler, the military liaison for TPWD.
Veterans and active-duty military can get free entry to state parks by bringing documentation to park headquarters, but TPWD recommends visitors do this in advance, not the day of their hike.
You can find a full list of parks holding hikes around the state on the TPWD website.

Details worth keeping

A ruck hike will be held at Lake Tawakoni State Park at 9 a.m. Ray Roberts Lake State Park will hold theirs at 10 a.m.