Walking and hiking are the perfect way for you and your family to be active while also enjoying the outdoors. Along with the physical benefits that hiking can offer, the activity has also proven to help with stress relief and improving sleeping habits. If you are in the Lawton area, there are a number of perfect hiking spots and walking paths that you and your loved ones can take advantage of. Here are just a few to get you started:
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge:
This scenic destination covers around 60,000 acres and has over 15 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels. Home to buffalo, cattle, prairie dogs, elk, and deer, the Wichita Mountains are the ideal setting for families to enjoy the beauty of Oklahoma’s landscape while spotting diverse wildlife along the way.
Jed Johnson Tower Trail:
Looking for a beginner/family-friendly hiking path? The Jed Johnson Tower Trail located within the Wichita Mountains is the perfect place to explore! The base of the observation tower is a great location to take in the wonderful view of Jed Johnson Lake.
Charon’s Garden Wilderness:
More adventurous hikers can check out the trails available in Charon’s Garden Wilderness.
Elk Mountain Trail and Charon’s Garden Trail are open year-round and are great for those looking for more challenging trails.
Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA):
LETRA is located at the base of Mount Scott in the Wichita Mountains and offers a variety of outdoor activities along with its popular walking trails. Families can enjoy fishing, mini-golf, volleyball, or scuba diving!
If you’re looking to keep it local, you can check out one of the many public parks Lawton has to offer. Some popular parks for walking include:
Elmer Thomas Park:
Not to be confused with LETRA. Elmer Thomas Park is located just off of Cache road, and hosts a large network of walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views around lake Helen. Elmer Thomas park is a fun, family-friendly, place to get moving. Be sure to keep an eye out for prairie dogs as this park is home to the largest prairie dog colony inside city limits!
Liberty Lake Park:
Located off of NW Liberty Ave south of Cache road, this is the perfect spot to get out and enjoy some wildlife while taking a stroll. Liberty Lake Park boasts a paved path around the length of its namesake that is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of ducks, geese, cranes and other local water-fowl.
Greer Park (aka Kid Zone):
Greer Park has been a staple of the Lawton community for over twenty years. It is best known for the KidZone playground which was designed and built by local residents. Located off of NW 38th street, this park is a great option to bring the family along for some outdoor activity. You can also check out its adjacent rubberized asphalt walking and running track for a way to get physically active that’s a little bit easier on the joints!
Whether you are an avid hiker or just want to get some fresh air with your family, Lawton has something for everyone. Visit the City of Lawton’s Interactive Parks Map to find more areas to explore!