Fall Foliage Walk

The Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge will be conducting "Fall Foliage Walks" for the general public from 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 walk through the forested canyon to a stand of sugar maples. 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 telephone call. 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.

Reservations are required. Reservations will be retained until 10 minutes before each scheduled program’s start time. After that time, stand-bys will be accepted. If the bus seating is filled after accepting stand-bys, late arrivals with reservations will not be able to participate in the program. For reservations call (580) 429-3222, option 0, weekdays from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, starting on the reservation date indicated. For additional information visit: www.fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains

Important Information

Reservations Required
Check tour schedule for dates and times. 

For reservations, call (580) 429-2197.
Weekdays from 9 am to 5:00 pm
Starting on the reservation date indicated.

  • Duration: 2.5 Hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Minimum Age: 8 years+
  • Meet: Visitor Center