Highpoint #15: Oklahoma

Cross-Country Highpointing Trip, Stop #8

Vanity Shot at the Summit

So…  Whatever you do, don’t rely on Google Maps to route directions to Black Mesa, Oklahoma!  At least, don’t bother doing that if you intend on going to the actual highpoint of Oklahoma.  I should have done my homework in advance and printed out directions to the trailhead.  I didn’t.  I visited the highpoint of Arkansas first thing in the morning, and I then spent the entire afternoon and evening driving through Arkansas and Oklahoma.  It was after 10pm when I was coming to the end of the Oklahoma panhandle, and I saw a sign for “Black Mesa State Park”, “Black Mesa Nature Preserve”, and “Black Mesa Summit” with directions to each conveniently enough not all in agreement.  I considered it for a moment, and figured that I should just trust Google Maps and continue on to New Mexico and “swing back in” to Oklahoma from there, per the directions, rather than turning off this appointed road in Oklahoma.  My reasoning was that there may be more than one trail leading to the summit, and I should probably rely on Google Maps to provide the most popular trail as the default option -- such wishful thinking! 

Those Arrows are Pointing in Different Directions!

Waiting for Dawn

Well, I crossed into New Mexico and turned off of the paved road when the computerized voice said “turn right”.  Aside from the light from an intense field of stars in the sky, it was pitch black.  I continued down the dirt road for some time, crossed a cattle grate, and then passed by a random ranch house.  The road started to take a turn for the worse becoming hilly in spots and noticeably a little rougher.  When I bottomed out, I was none too pleased with my sequence of decisions but decided to press on.  Google Maps was suggesting several (as in more than 7) more miles of this nonsense before I would arrive at the mesa.  The voice beckoned me to turn again, but I could not see anywhere to turn at all.  Should I just drive through a random field and rely on the little GPS dot to guide me the rest of the way?  I couldn’t even see the mesa.  Ugh.  Deep breath. 

Entrance to Black Mesa (Trailhead)

Map of the Route

I decided to go back to that sign I encountered earlier in Oklahoma and see if I can at least get to “a” trailhead for the summit from that direction.  Any other option simply was not going to work.  Having made the decision, all I needed to do was double back on the same sketchy road that I came in on and not bottom out this time.  Easier said than done, but I eventually made it.  Following the signed directions, I found myself in front of the proper trailhead in no time and decided to camp there for the night.  (For the would-be traveler, follow directions to Kenton, Oklahoma instead).   

Hiking is Best when the Sun is Rising!

So Beautiful Here!

Eventually the sun rose, beginning the next day, and I was able to have a look around.  There was a graveled parking lot, an enclosed primitive outhouse, and a large gate.  Beyond the gate, there was signage for the trailhead and visible mesas in the distance.  The signage included a map of the park, the length of the hike (8.4 miles round-trip), and strong warnings about rattlesnakes.  They are seldom seen during daylight hours, it reports.  During the summer that is; during the winter, they can be encountered at dawn, which was precisely the time I was beginning my hike.  Yay!  The nearest medical facility, it went on to report, was in a tiny non-town (Boise City) about 35 miles down the road.  Should be interesting! 

Benches Mark Each of the First Three Miles (Mile 3 Shown)

Outstanding Views Abound

The hike was pretty easy and straightforward though.  Route finding could not have been simpler.  The path is wide and clear so there is not even a need for blazes.  Better than that, there are actual benches marking miles 1, 2, and 3.  The terrain for the first 3 miles or so is distinctly flat with gorgeous views in all directions.  After 3-3.5 miles, the terrain becomes steep.  At this point, you are effectively climbing the mesa.  At the top, it becomes flat again (it is a mesa afterall).  There is a sign just after the 4^th mile, which indicates that the highpoint is 0.30 miles away.  And you can just make it out too by eye, from that distance.  Within minutes, I found myself upon it!

Almost There!

The summit is marked by a large, reddish granite peg with square cross-sections  (technically, a frustum) set upon a shallow base.  It is easily the height of a man, and it has 4 sides corresponding to and facing in each cardinal direction.  Each side indicates the distance to nearest state line in that direction.  This is of note because Black Mesa is actually relatively close to 5 different states!

 

Summit Marker

Detail of Summit Marker (South Side)

On the base there is an official State of Oklahoma, Department of Highways survey marker that marks the elevation at 4972.97 feet – the highest point in Oklahoma!  Two decimal places of accuracy – now that’s impressive!  Very close to the survey marker, there is a box containing the summit register.  I did the needful.

Summit Register

The view from the top of the mesa was fairly impressive in all directions.  It was enhanced all the more so by the rising sun.  It definitely pays to get an early (alpine) start.  I was taken with the view, so I actually spent a little bit of time atop the mesa for reflection. 

Vanity Shot at the Survey Marker

Detail of Official Survey Marker (The True Highpoint)

Overall, this was a great, easy hike that I was able to finish relatively early in the morning.  It was definitely cold out, but that was really the only hindrance.  The rattlesnakes never made an appearance. 

View at the Top (It's a Mesa)

Highpoint #14: Arkansas

Cross-Country Highpointing Trip, Stop #7

Vanity Shot at the Summit

The highpoint of Arkansas is Magazine Mountain, which is located fairly close to the I-40 interstate.  However, I was approaching it from the south having just wrapped up the Louisiana highpoint the previous afternoon.  This entailed some meandering, back roads having me driving decidedly off of the interstate.  I have to say, though, the driving was largely scenic.  I managed to pass by Hot Springs National Park, the Ozark National Forest, and I even had a wonderful vantage point of Nimrod Lake in the distance.  While not faster than the interstate, it was certainly a very enjoyable approach affording me the opportunity to really see Arkansas up close and personal, so to speak.

Entrance Sign for Mt. Magazine State Park

The highpoint of Arkansas is definitely one of the more elaborate ones.  It is contained in a large state park, replete with a visitor’s center, upscale lodge, hiking trails, and even places to rock climb and hang glide.  If highpointing is the least of your interests, you could certainly find plenty of other things to do the pass the time here.  On top of all of that, scenic views abound!  There are several lookout areas offering up some outstanding views. 

An Impressive Lookout

Another Lookout

I stopped in at the visitor’s center to grab a  brochure, but everything is pretty straightforward.  Basically, from the visitor’s center, you just proceed uphill to a ring road.  The highpoint is reached by hiking the Signal Hill trail, which is clearly marked from the road.  Beyond the parking area for this trail, there are overlook pull-offs, an amphitheater, picnic areas, and of course the lodge, all accessible from the road.

Trailhead for the Highpoint

The hike up Signal Hill was pretty easy.  It is about half-mile in length each way and is mainly comprised of switchbacks over gentle terrain.  The only concern is bears.  Evidently, they are indigenous to the area, though not often seen.  That was the case for me on my visit, as I was able to make my way up and down the hill without seeing much of anything in the way of local fauna, save for a lone deer. 

Local Fauna!

At the top of Signal Hill, there is much to remark.  Foremost, there is a very large suspended summit sign announcing the highest point of Arkansas, ringing in at a resounding 2,753 feet!  

The Summit!

Summit Register

In front of the sign, there is an elaborate mosaic of rocks that are arranged in the shape of the state of Arkansas.  Contained within, there is an official USGS geological benchmark marker that marks the true highpoint of the state.  There is also an official summit register.  The only thing that is missing at the top is a great view.  All of the amazing views are had from the ring road just below. 

Detail of USGS Marker

Vanity Shot by USGS Marker

Arriving early, I had the entire highpoint to myself as well as all of the lookouts.  The views really extend for quite some distance.  I have to say, Arkansas exceeded my expectations.  This was definitely one of the nicer highpoints.  Now off to Oklahoma!      

View from the Top!

Another View from the Top!

    

Highpoint #13: Louisiana

Cross-Country Highpointing Trip, Stop #6

Vanity Shot at the Summit

I was quick to leave the highpoint in Florida behind with the rising sun.  The next highpoint on the list was Driskill Mountain in Louisiana, and it was going to take some effort to get there before the sun would begin to set.  That’s the problem with doing a road trip in the winter -- the days are so short!  Luckily though, I was able to do the 8-hour drive without any breaks, so I had a couple of hours to spare in order to ascend this hill, masquerading as a mountain. 

The Church Serves as the Trailhead

Driskill Mountain is located in northern Louisiana, just outside of Ruston in the Bienville Parish.  Yay, my first parish highpoint!  After driving on some back roads, I finally came upon the “Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church and Driskill Memorial Cemetery” which serves as the unofficial trailhead.  It is a small, old church with a certain amount of charm.  The trailhead to the left of it was clearly marked.

     

Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church

535 Feet!

Parking was ample, but I was surprised to see that I was not alone.  Apparently, a party of 4 arrived just ahead of me, and they were preparing to head off for the highpoint as well.  I stayed behind to get some establishing shots for this blog.  I figured they would trudge on ahead, but I caught up to them fairly quickly.  There was an elderly gentleman, Frank, his wife, Linda, and two of their grandchildren.  I was invited to hike along with them.  I agreed.

The Trailhead

Normally, my highpoint attempts are solo, so I was happy to have some company this time around.  Also, sometimes I hike a bit too fast, so it was good to have the chance to calm the pace down considerably and just enjoy the scenery on a lazy Saturday afternoon.  Besides, it was a great opportunity to see the hike from someone else’s perspective.

The Trail is Well-Marked, if Clayey

I was a little concerned that the way to the summit would be difficult to follow, given some old trip reports that I have read.  Fortunately, they recently had an earthmover come in and establish a new and fairly obvious route to the summit.  To make it even more obvious, there were conspicuous signs along the way pointing out the path.  Clearly, getting lost would not be an option.  All the more reason to just relax.    

Really Can't Mess This Up

I spoke with Frank a bit, who was quickly lagging behind from the rest of his family.  He recently had a knee replacement; so all circumstances considered, he was doing remarkably well.  After proudly showing me his scars, I figured it best to continue to stay back and keep a watchful eye just in case he might need the help.  He talked a bit about being a pastor, his career choices along the way, and his general love for science (I had said that I was a scientist).  It was easy and unassuming enough.  After a few rest breaks, Frank made it to the top, as did I. 

Another Trail Marker

I signed the summit register and posed for a photo, graciously taken by Linda, in front of the very large structure marking the summit.  535 feet!  We stayed a bit and appreciated the overlook.  The peak does not have much in the way of prominence; so don’t expect much.  There were a lot of leaves and plenty of trees, not the most alpine of environments.   

Summit Monument

I headed down with the family, mostly staying with Frank again.  It was very relaxing.  Reaching the trailhead, we encountered another couple ready for their turn at the summit.  This is a busy place!  I said my goodbyes, and headed north to spend the night in Arkansas.  Lucky 13 was out of the way! 

View from the Top!