A poster promoting the hiking program at Ha Ha Tonka. (Courtesy image)
The Outdoor Adventure Center will hold its final guided hike of the year at Ha Ha Tonka State Park starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. The event is free and open to members of the Fort Leonard Wood community, who can register in advance by calling 573.596.4223.
“We’re looking forward to getting out and exploring some of the lower portions of the state park and seeing the natural springs,” said Brian Kaolowi, OAC recreation specialist.
The first hike, held Aug. 29, attracted 23 participants, who toured the parks’ “castle,” which are actually the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone mansion built on the property. While a planned Sept. 12 hike was canceled due to inclement weather, Saturday’s event will give experienced hikers and newcomers a chance to explore the park further and get fit as they enjoy the outdoors, Kaolowi said.
“The first hike was about 1.5 miles long and involved the Castle Trail and Lake Trail; with this one, we’re looking at closer to two miles as we explore the Spring Trail and Island Trail,” he said.
Participants provide their own transportation to the event. The guided hike will start at the Ha Ha Tonka State Park Visitors Center.
“We’re going to start again by letting (participants) make their own trail mix, which they can munch on along the trail,” Kaolowi said. “We hope people will come on out and have a good time with us.”
While the event will be the final guided hike of the year at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, officials with Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation are considering possibly expanding the program next year, he added.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from people wanting to hike in different areas,” Kaolowi said. “I think right now we’re looking at next spring or summer.”
For more information, contact the OAC or visit the FMWR website at https://leonardwood.armymwr.com.
