Fall Foliage Walk

The Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge will be conducting "Fall Foliage Walks" for the general public during November (see tour schedule for exact dates).

The Fall Foliage Walks take participants into Hollis Canyon in the Special Use Area where they will hike through the forested canyon to a stand of sugar maples. The two-mile hiking trail is loose gravel with small rocks covering the uneven terrain. Participants should wear sturdy hiking footwear. The participants will be able to observe the changes that trees and all plants undertake in the fall as they react to changes in temperature, humidity and length of day by reducing food production in preparation for winter. Leaves on various species of trees and plants no longer receive chlorophyll and begin to change their color from green to different shades of red, yellow, orange or brown. Dependent upon current weather conditions, participants will be able to view these and other seasonal changes that occur in fall.

The tours will begin at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center location is noted on the Refuge map which is available online or may obtained from one of the dispensers located at each of the five entrances to the Refuge. The tours are conducted by members of the Association of the Friends of the Wichitas.

These programs are intended for individuals and family groups. Reservations are limited to one family (up to six individuals) per request. Children must be at least eight years old. Restrooms are not available on the tours. Wheelchair access is available if requested at the time of reservation. Refuge tours are dependent upon wildlife and weather conditions. Tours may be cancelled or modified if adverse conditions exist.

We are pleased to announce that this year the preferred reservation method is via the web at the SignUpGenius reservation page starting on November 10th at 9am CST. Individuals unable to utilize the online reservation system may call (580) 429-3222 Option 0 for assistance, provided space is still available. Reservations for all tours are retained until 10 minutes before each scheduled program’s start time. After that time, standbys are accepted. If the bus seating is filled after accepting standbys, late arrivals with reservations will not be able to participate in the program. Reservations are required. For additional information, visit the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge website or the Friends of the Wichitas tours page.