Trails
Jed Johnson Tower Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 0.5 mile
Location of trail: Jed Johnson Lake Parking Area
Surface : Dirt, Gravel, Rock
Difficulty: Easy
This easy half-mile (0.5 mile), kid friendly hike follows portions of the shoreline of Jed Johnson Lake offering spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding landscape from the base of the Civilian Conservation Corps built observation tower. The observation tower is not open to public.
Environmental Education Center Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 0.1 mile
Location of trail: Environmental Education Center Parking Area
Surface : Paved
Difficulty: Easy
This short (0.1 mile), but fully accessible trail tours the grounds around the Environmental Education Center and Quanah Parker Lake.
Quanah Parker Lake Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 0.4 mile
Location of trail: Environmental Education Center Parking Area, Doris Campground
Surface: Gravel, Dirt
Difficulty: Easy
Take a quick (0.4 mile) stroll across Quanah Parker Lake via bridge and through the trees along the shore using this trail linking Doris Campground to the Environmental Education Center, or vice versa. ***Visitors not camping in Doris Campground should not enter the campgrounds.***
Little Baldy Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 0.8 mile
Location of trail: Quanah Parker Dam
Surface: Gravel, Rock, Dirt
Difficulty: Moderate
Gain some elevation and test yourself by tackling the Little Baldy Trail (0.8 mile). Scramble to the top of this mountain for a beautiful view of Quanah Parker Lake and the surrounding peaks.
Osage Lake
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 0.6 mile
Location of trail: Osage Lake Parking Area
Surface: Gravel, Dirt, Rock
Difficulty: Easy
Fishing and hiking aren’t always mutually exclusive. This quick track (0.6 mile) will land you on the shore of Osage Lake and a prime spot for bluegill and crappie fishing.
Burford Lake Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 0.5 mile
Location of trail: Burford Lake Parking Area
Surface : Dirt, Gravel, Rock
Difficulty: Easy
Nature is only a few steps away from the parking lot along the Burford Lake Trail. Skirting the edges of Burford Lake, this trail offers informational waysides and opportunities to experience the varied landscape (i.e. prairie, lake, forest, rocks).
Narrows Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 0.8 mile
Location of trail: Boulder Cabin Picnic Area
Surface : Loose Gravel, Rocks
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, the Narrows Trail (0.8 mile) offers stunning views and, depending on the season, fun obstacles like a stream crossing.
Kite Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 1.1 mile
Location of trail: Lost Lake or south Boulder Picnic Area
Surface : Gravel, Dirt, Rock
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re looking for a hike with scenery, the Kite Trail (1.1 mile) meanders along a canyon rim with breathtaking views of Forty Foot Hole.
Bison Trail, Dog Run Hollow Trail System
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 1.5 mile
Location of trail: French Lake Parking Area, Dog Run Hollow Trailhead
Surface: Dirt, Rock, Gravel
Difficulty: Moderate
Go the distance on the Bison Trail. This lengthy (6 mile) trail is perfect for leisurely strolls near the shore of French Lake, alongside Cache Creek, and through the mixed grass prairie. Hikers should bring plenty of water, especially during the warm months, as this trail has very little shade.
Longhorn Trail, Dog Run Hollow Trail System
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 1.5 mile
Location of trail: French Lake Parking Area,
Surface: Dirt, Rock, Gravel
Difficulty: Easy
Similar to the Elk Trail, the Longhorn Trail (1.5 miles) joins the Bison Trail creating a shorter loop to explore the prairie. Stretch your legs on the Longhorn, or really push yourself by completing the entire Dog Run Hollow System.
Elk Trail, Dog Run Hollow Trail System
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 0.7 mile
Location of trail: French Lake Parking Area
Surface: Dirt, Rock, Gravel
Difficulty: Easy
This short stretch (0.7 mile) connects to the Bison Trail providing an easy but shorter loop to look for wildlife or stroll along the shore of French Lake.
Lake Elmer Thomas Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 1 mile
Location of trail: Lake Elmer Thomas Parking Areas
Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for wheelchairs, bicycles, strollers, etc., this fully accessible, paved 1 mile trail wanders past the historic Wichita Mountains gate and provides glimpses of Lake Elmer Thomas.
Elk Mountain Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 1.1 Miles
Location of trail: Sunset Picnic Area
Surface: Rock, Dirt, Gravel
Difficulty: Difficult
Located in the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, the Elk Mountain Trail is a rocky route with seemingly endless stone stairs. It requires plenty of water, a map, and some preparation.
Charon’s Garden Trail
Open Season: Open year-round
Length: 2.4 miles
Location of trail: Sunset Picnic Area, Treasure Lake Parking Area
Surface: Dirt, Rock, Gravel
Difficulty: Difficult
This trail isn’t for the faint of heart. This 2.4 mile trek begins at the Sunset trailhead and stretches across the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area to Treasure Lake. If you plan to hike through make sure you are fully prepared, have plenty of water, and a pick up planned.