The Narrows in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. (summitpost.com photo)

I find that hiking and backpacking this time of year is pretty great. The weather is cool, but not cold, and there tends to be fewer people out on the trail. That said, here’s a good opportunity to enjoy what I’m talking about. Backwoods is sponsoring another group hike in the Wichitas this weekend, and the group will be going through an area I find particularly interesting: The Narrows. The information below is from Backwoods’ Facebook page. Read on, and if this sounds like something you’d like to do, join ‘em!

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Wichita Mountains hike through The Narrows

When: Saturday, Nov. 20

Time: 7:45-11 a.m.

Details: Beginning at the Boulder Picnic Area, we will hike through The Narrows (a very popular climbing destination). The trail in The Narrows crosses West Cache Creek a few times, so be prepared to hop across slippery rocks. Lunchtime destination will be the abandoned Pennington Silver Mine. The group will break there, check out the remnants of the mine and have lunch. After lunch, the group will turn around and head back to the trailhead via an off-trail bushwhack through Panther Canyon. The canyon can be muddy, slippery and full of sharp green briar, but it is a unique and seldom-travelled path that is well worth the extra effort.

What to bring: A daypack with 3 liters of water per person, snacks and a lunch. Wear pants and boots. Trekking poles are not necessary, but can really help when bushwhacking and crossing streams. Also, bring any personal first aid items/medication that you may need. This particular hike is not recommended for children under 10 or dogs.

More: Meet at Backwoods in Norman around 7:45 a.m. to organize carpools and sign liability waivers. Carpooling is the best option, since parking is limited at the trailhead and the tolls add up to nearly $7 per car round trip. The gorup will leave the store promptly at 8 a.m. There is also the option of meeting the group at the Visitor’s Center at 9:30. If you plan to meet at the Visitor’s Center, please RSVP so we know to look for you there.

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Enjoy the day Saturday, folks!

Bob Doucette

bdoucette@opubco.com