More than 20 Texas State Parks are hosting Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes this month, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
The hikes are open to community members, veterans and their families, according to the department. Participants may hike with or without a ruck, a weighted backpack.
Nicole Mechler, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Military Liaison, said in a statement: "Being able to bring our community and local organizations together to rally around our veterans and their families means the world to us. We want to show our support and bring awareness by letting people know that they are not alone in this fight. Nature can be healing and we want to provide that for them."
The department advised participants to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen and proper clothing, and to bring at least two liters of water per person along with salty snacks. Veterans and active-duty military members can use the Parklands Passport, which provides free entry to all Texas State Parks. Multiple parks have assistive chairs available for loan that can handle rougher terrain than traditional wheelchairs, according to the department.
For specific details on each hike across the state, the department said to visit the State Parks Event Calendar.