Oklahoma hiking: Elk Mountain group hike this weekend
Summit view from Elk Mountain, looking south, toward Mount Lincoln.
Fall in Oklahoma is one of the best times to get outside for a good hike. This is especially true in the Wichita Mountains near Lawton. I’ve got some information here about a planned group hike of Elk Mountain that is happening this weekend. Have a read and see if this is something you’d like to do.
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Here are the details for the October Backwoods hike.
Where: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton.
When: Saturday, Oct. 23. Meet at Backwoods in Norman at 7:45 a.m. to sign waivers and organize carpools. We will leave promptly at 8 a.m. There is also the option of meeting the group at the Visitor’s Center at 9:30. If you choose to meet us at the park, please RSVP so organizer know to look for you there.
Details: The hike will go to the top of Elk Mountain by way of a well-maintained, but steep and rocky trail (about 1.5 miles). At the top, the group will eat lunch, explore the boulder fields, relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the wildlife refuge. Afterwards, the group will descend to the trailhead.
The rugged south side of Elk Mountain.
What to Bring: A daypack with 3 liters of water, snacks, a lunch (the group will eat on the trail), personal first aid items/medication, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Wear good hiking shoes or boots. Also, the weather is unpredictable this time of year and the mountain-top can be very windy, so dressing in layers is your best bet. Dogs are allowed on the refuge, as long as they are on leashes at all times and any pet waste is removed responsibly.
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Elk Mountain is one of my favorite hikes in the refuge, and it’s one that’s doable for just about anyone. Best of all, the views from the top are pretty spectacular. If you’d like to do this, contact Pam Cherek at Backwoods, 573-5199. You can also find out more here: http://backwooders.ning.com/group/normanbackwoodshikingclub
If you want more information about what the hike is like, check this link from a past trip report: http://blog.newsok.com/outthere/2010/04/20/trip-report-elk-mountain-trail-wichita-mountains-lawton-oklahoma/
Bob Doucette
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