Harris Creek Trail - Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
Harris Creek Trail is located at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Texoma. The trail consists of two loops. One of which is one-half mile in length and is ADA accessible. The second loop is named Prairie Loop and is 1.7 miles in length. Nested along the trail is a series of six ponds which provide habitat for the refuge's birds.
The trailhead for the Harris Creek Trail is located directly across the street from the refuge's visitor center. Near the trailhead is a parking lot with enough space for a few cars. A sign at the trailhead greets visitors and notes that the two loops of this trail are 1.25 miles and 2.25 miles in length. Perhaps I missed trail markers or took some wrong turns, but according to my GPS both loops were shorter than their advertised lengths.
The one-half mile ADA accessible loop is laid with fine gravel throughout the entirety of the path. A short distance into the trail is a photo blind which gives you the opportunity to clandestinely view or photograph wildlife on one of the trail's ponds.
Along the ADA accessible loop are numerous interpretive signs with information about the plants and animals.
The Prairie Loop can be accessed by taking a detour off the ADA accessible portion of the trail. From here, the trail ceases to be gravel. For the next mile or so, the trail consists of a mown path through the prairie. Along the way, are views of ponds. Most of the trail is open to the sun. However, trees do line small portions. The Prairie Loop reconnects to the ADA accessible portion which you will use to return to the trailhead.
One of the perks of this trail is that its location directly across from the visitor center makes it easy to access. Another perk of this trail is that it is an easy hike. My young son enjoyed the trail and appreciated the interpretive signs along the ADA accessible portion. However, in the opinion of the reviewer, if you are visiting the refuge and are looking for a short, easy hike, the Haller's Haven Trail offers a better overall hiking experience.
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place. Even if you opt to forgo a hike on one of the refuge's trail, it is worth your time to drive the refuge roads and admire the wildlife. On the day of my hike, a flock of geese filled a meadow near the trailhead. There is no fee to access Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Be advised that portions of the refuge are closed during the year for hunting. Check the refuge or Friends of Hagerman websites to find dates.
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