hike 16

#hike16 - Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

HIKE 16

Date: Sunday, May 26, 2019

Location: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - Plano, TX

Distance: 2.51 miles

Trails: Outer Loop and others

Miles from Home: 23.1

Weather: Warm, Humid, Partly Cloudy

This hike was a lot less than I expected, as far as distance, but was overall very relaxing and peaceful for being within the metroplex. I though I had read there were at least three miles of unpaved trails, and there may be, but it was complicated. There area series of tiny little tenth of a mile+ trails on the interior, that are hard to follow and didn’t offer much for me, so I opted out of them.

The preserve has wonderful paved paths, a lookout observation deck, and plenty of nature in the city. I believe Arbor Hills is an asset to the neighborhood. The park is less than a mile from my office, and I plan to walk there during lunch in the cooler months as well as maybe a few after work walk/jogs on my way home.

#hike16 - Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Date: April 29, 2018

Location: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge - Lawton, OK

Distance: 5.6

Trails: Charon's Garden, Crab Eyes

I got up early and drove to Oklahoma.  I needed a change of pace and a little adventure, and this location provided both of those things.  I parked at the Sunset area and hiked the two trails that share the same beginning.  Charon's Garden was lovely, but I got confused and turned around at the boulder field.  I'll go back once I investigate the trail a bit more, I was mostly winging it today.  The Crab Eyes trail was a nice surprise in variety.  It starts going through the woods and over a few creeks and ends with a gentle climb and decent through fields and rocks.  I didn't spend much time in the park, but plan to go back.  Here are some photos from the day.  Enjoy!

(For more info, click HERE!)

Positives: I found maple trees, the sun was shining, the breeze was blowing, spring wildflowers were everywhere, and there were very few people

Negatives: Charon's Garden is a little confusing at the boulder field