Texas state parks will host Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes throughout September to support military veterans and raise awareness during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will hold the hikes at 20 state parks across the state. Veterans, active-duty military members and other community members can participate with or without a weighted backpack.
Ruck hikes involve walking while carrying a weighted backpack and often support military and veterans’ causes. TPWD military liaison Nichole Mechler said the events aim to remind veterans that they have support and that they do not face mental health challenges alone.
“We want to show our support and bring awareness by letting people know that they are not alone in this fight,” Mechler said. “Nature can be healing and we want to provide that for them.”
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive free admission to Texas state parks if they present the required documentation at park headquarters. TPWD recommends visitors complete the verification before their scheduled hike.
Lake Tawakoni State Park will hold its ruck hike at 9 a.m. Sept. 26, while Ray Roberts Lake State Park will host its event at 10 a.m. Sept. 27.
TPWD has posted the complete schedule and list of participating parks on its state park events calendar.