Special Chance To See Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains Special Use Area

Since the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has been reopened post Rush Fire, the fall foliage has really been incredible to see. Thanks to the staff at the Refuge, visitors will have a chance to see an area not accessible to the public without a permit and an even more spectacular view of fall in the Wichitas.

Interpretive "Fall Foliage Walk" Through Hollis Canyon

On Saturdays, Nov. 16 and Nov. 23, the staff at the Wildlife Refuge will be hosting guided walks through parts of the refuge to give visitors the very best view of the fall foliage. Visitors will need to sign up and make a reservation ahead of time.

The free tour is expected to start at the Visitors Center by 10:00 a.m. and take you through Hollis Canyon in the Special Use Area and walk through the "forested canyon to a stand of sugar maples," per their summary.

Reservations Required, Make Sure To Arrive On Time

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Folks going on the guided walks should make sure to arrive on time, since they will accept standbys as early as 10 minutes before the tour starts and if the bus fills up before you're able to make it there, unfortunately your spot is forfeited.

The Refuge staff encourages everyone eight and up to join in on the fun. The tours are expected to be around three hours long and there aren't any restrooms during the time they'll be out on the walk, so come prepared!

The tour is expected to happen unless there are changes in the weather; in which case, tours will not be rescheduled.

Special Use Areas Versus Public Use Areas in the Wichitas

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is completely made up of over 59,000 acres of land with 22,400 acres for public use and 28,050 acres for special use. Although the public areas are always accessible during the daylight hours, the Special Use areas require a permit. Typically, you're allowed on Special Use Areas for:

• Guided tours
• Commercial Photography sessions
• Filming
• Weddings or large gatherings
• Educational workshops
• Rock climbing classes
• Fishing Tournaments

In order to get a permit, you'll need to fill out an application for a Special Use Permit on National Wildlife Refuges here. Once you've applied, it's important to remember that the permit is not valid until it is approved and a refuge offical signs it. It is recommended to print it, sign it where you need to, and send it to the refuge for processing.

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There are plenty of public trails to see more fall foliage throughout the Wichitas that you can check out here. Fall lovers can enjoy one last look at the state parks below that have the best fall foliage statewide.