Wichita Mountains NWR – Hiking

The Refuge maintains four series of hiking trails as well as wayside exhibits throughout the Public Use Area. While visitors may hike anywhere in the Public Use Area of the Refuge, these trail systems are maintained for optimum viewing opportunities, ease of access, and diversity of scenery.

The Dog Run Hollow Trail complex consists of three loops with trailheads at Dog Run
Hollow, French Lake, Boulder and Lost Lake Picnic Areas. Starting from the French Lake Trailhead, hikers are given the option of the 1 mile long Elk Trail, the 2 mile long Longhorn Trail, or the 8 mile Buffalo Trail. Kite Trail (1.5 miles) between Lost Lake Picnic Area and Boulder Picnic area allows the hiker access to the Buffalo Trail loop.

The 2 mile Elk Mountain Trail leads around the west end of Elk Mountain and meanders from Sunset Picnic Area to Post Oak Lake parking area. This trail takes the hiker through the center of the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. A side trail from Sunset leads to the top of Elk Mountain. Trailheads at Sunset Picnic Area and Post Oak Lake are marked by
trail maps and information signs.

The Little Baldy Mountain Trail is a 1.5 mile trail along the western edge of Quanah Parker Lake with a side trail leading to the top of Little Baldy Mountain. The trail may be taken from Quanah Parker Visitor Center or the Quanah Parker Dam.

The Environmental Education Interpretive Trail is a .25 mile handicapped access trail with exposed gravel surface, concrete sidewalks and interpretive signs. Access is from the Environmental Education Center parking lot. Handicapped visitors may use this trail for
fishing access at Quanah Parker Lake. Handicapped parking is designated.

Mt. Scott has one interpretive site for visitors, while other wayside exhibits may be found at the Cache and Medicine Park entrances, Prairie Dog Town, and the Exhibition Pasture.