In that map, it shows Forty Foot Hole to the north of the trail. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Forty Foot Hole where the big waterfall is that tumbles down over three levels? That's by far the coolest part of the trail. Maybe I have the sites confused.

I believe you have that right. It is about where the F of "Forty Foot Hole" is on the map.

Should the red line be where the Dog Run Hollow trail runs, somewhat north and northwest of the picnic area?

Any hiker would appreciate the beauty of the waterfall in Forty Foot Hole.

Should the red line be where the Dog Run Hollow trail runs, somewhat north and northwest of the picnic area?

Any hiker would appreciate the beauty of the waterfall in Forty Foot Hole.

The trail to the 40-Foot-Hole goes the opposite direction from Boulder Picnic Area.

Has any one been to the fire caves what trail do you take?
I'm trying to mark as many places as possible on the map?

Do tell. What are the fire caves?

Yes...that's a new one for me.

For a longer trek, the Ouachita Trail in the Ouachita National Forest in Southeastern Oklahoma is the best trail in the state. It's like the Appalachian Trail and is for serious hikers and backpackers.

Word is there's a book coming out on trails in Oklahoma. When I have more info on it I'll bring it to this thread.


Sooner...I agree. I grew up in that area, and the Ouachita trail is fantastic long trail. Backpacker magazine called it the best unknown long trail in the U.S. a few years ago. I've done several three and four day hikes, but if your really frisky you can take a 16 or 21 day hike. Very underutilized, I've walked for two days before without seeing another soul. Absolutely must pack heavy and have good maps...very, very remote in some areas...like utah remote.

There's no ugly in the Ouachita, anywhere. Some is very remote, as noted, some is a cake walk. But it is all beautiful country, both here and in Arkansas.

Always be mindful and respectful of the snakes, bears, mini-bears, turkey and deer when you visit their neighborhood. They'll appreciate it.

Do tell. What are the fire caves?
I read about them in Alan Thodes book Hiking the Wichitas
He describes them as rock shelters the name comes from when people could put fires in at open end of the caves to get warm off the fires reflection heat You leave from the Quanah Parker lake Dam parking lot heading east but here are no trails leading to them.

I'll check that one out. Thanks!

I'm not a big fan Ouachitas. I did a day-hike on Winding Stair a few years ago and didn't really find it all that interesting. The scenery is beautiful...from the road. Once you get into the forests there are no more vistas. Every tree looks like the one before and before and before and there are no geological formations to speak of (the mountains are mainly sandstone). I prefer the Ozarks. That's just me though.

Here's some more photos I've taken down there.

The Narrows


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2216929143_527c866ef8.jpg

This is the land mark used to find the Pennington Mine its on the other side of the stream 300 yards south of there.

Kent Frates has an upcoming book on the best hiking trails in the state. There's an excerpt of the book in the March/April issue of Oklahoma Today.

I found out yesterday about a professor at OU who has started a project to map every foot of trail in Oklahoma. I'll have to find out more details.

This is the land mark used to find the Pennington Mine its on the other side of the stream 300 yards south of there.

No, that is Mt. Scott.

I found out yesterday about a professor at OU who has started a project to map every foot of trail in Oklahoma. I'll have to find out more details.

I would like to know more about this project. If this project needs a research technician, then I'm the guy. Paid, or volunteer. Update please!

No, that is Mt. Scott.

Your right now that I take another look at it looks very simler to the terrain feature used to find the mine.

I found out yesterday about a professor at OU who has started a project to map every foot of trail in Oklahoma. I'll have to find out more details.

Let us know if your hear anything more on this sounds like an interesting project

If you don't want to drive far, just go as far as you can on NW 50th & you'll end up just past Council Road at Stinchcomb Reserve. Nothing fancy, but I like it.

When I was a child my grandmother used to take us there it seems. I once tried to get back there but could not seem to find it. What exactly is there to do there now? As I recall there was a creek that ran through it.

It surrounds the N. Canadian River just upstream of Lake Overholser. I don't believe there are any established trails but I could be wrong.

This is a trail you don't often hear about the trail to Lincoln Mountain starting at Treasure lake parking area then climbing above Post Oak Falls
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3456177567_69029f6bbf_o.jpg

Done it. Played with Lincoln's Nuts.

http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/Oklahoma/Southwest/Wichita_Mountains/Lincoln_s_Nuts/

Hey cuatro you mentioned the Ozarks. Definitely some of my favorite hiking. Beautiful country up there in north Arkansas. I'm originally from Fort Smith so I have done lots of hiking up there. I love all of the hikes that lead along and to the high bluffs with magnificent views..

I was wondering, to the person who started this thread, if they have even looked back lately, why you questioned the safety of some of the trails you checked out? What was it you found unsafe?

Another one starting in the Parallel Forest then walking along the road north of Mount Wall and Mt. Scott.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3456177895_c17e9ae93a_o.jpg

Done it. Played with Lincoln's Nuts.

Rock Climbing Routes in Lincoln's Nuts, Wichita Mountains - Rockclimbing.com (http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/Oklahoma/Southwest/Wichita_Mountains/Lincoln_s_Nuts/)

This is another good site for hiking trails
Wichita Mountain Bison Trail | Hiking in Oklahoma : Backpacker Magazine (http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=46997)
Lincoln's Nuts?
Its definitely a great place for rock climbing

Not in OK but this is my next trip...

Guadalupe Mountains

https://elmundodebirch.wikispaces.com/file/view/guadalupe_mountains.jpg

Guadalupe Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (http://www.nps.gov/gumo)

Not in OK but this is my next trip...

Guadalupe Mountains

Guadalupe Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (http://www.nps.gov/gumo)

Sure but will it be as enoyinble as playing with Lincoln's Nuts? j/k
Looks like it would interesting place to check out.

Cuatro-
That is a beautiful place. I went there a just few years ago for a couple of overnight backpacking trips. Those being Guadalupe Peak (the Texas high point), and McKittrick Canyon. I went in spring, but was told that fall is the best time to go, as McKittrick Canyon has amazing fall colors. It was still great scenery. The fog in the valleys that day looked like something from middle earth.

Its a short drive from Carlsbad Caverns, which itself is amazing, but what blew my mind, is that the whole area, is a fossilized coral reef. The above ground portion being the Guadalupe Mtns, and the underground limestone being Carlsbad.

Roswell also makes an interesting side trip. I highly recomend it. the best part is there are hardly any crowds, like the other National Parks.

CuatrodeMayo,

Excellent choice. And thanks for sharing a rather excellent image.

We are blessed here in Oklahoma to have such beautiful country. The Wichitas, Ouachitas, Arbuckles, Quartz(es?)... Those pictures are gorgeous. I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread.

Tim Ernst has made maps that covers the trail. It is good to hear people walking on the Ouachitas. I take care of a section that is just over the line in Arkansas.

These are some shots from a recent trip to the Wichita Mountains.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3442402729_2c0847b05d_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/3540935460_49d0b89b34_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3556183829_eab3973e19_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3536778333_7d3c3f1676_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3551922636_54b25eb6b9_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3546011830_a4403a93fa_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/3546005654_df760f3364_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2085/3535096504_d3f3d82135_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3296379404_e73c2ba3c6_m.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guybowen/sets/72157611807177869/

Where are the best places to go hiking in the OKC area?

I usually hike up the stairs to get to my condo.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/3546005654_df760f3364_m.jpg

Where is this? I don't recognize it.

I believe it is the early portion of the Elk Mtn trail. It just looks unfamiliar because water usually isn't flowing over that dam.

These are some shots from a recent trip to the Wichita Mountains.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3442402729_2c0847b05d_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/3540935460_49d0b89b34_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3556183829_eab3973e19_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3536778333_7d3c3f1676_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3551922636_54b25eb6b9_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3546011830_a4403a93fa_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/3546005654_df760f3364_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2085/3535096504_d3f3d82135_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3296379404_e73c2ba3c6_m.jpg
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/guybowen/sets/72157611807177869/)

Those are great shots! I followed your flicker site, and I'll say bravo!