2012
Trail reviews
and photos
2011
Trail reviews
and photos
New
trails at Wyandotte
Hillsdale Lake
2010
Trail reviews
and photos
Horsethief
Canyon Trail at Kanopolis State Park
April
15, 2011
Arriving on April 15, we faced a mighty windstorm that could only remind you
of the Wizard of Oz. I'm talking about the kind of wind that takes two
people working together to open and close a door. The kind of wind that snaps
smaller trees in half. Fortunately, the wind died down in the middle of the night
and my group was able to enjoy the extensive, multi-use trail system at the State
Park
and
Wildlife
Area
under
sunny skies with cool breezes.
Wildfires had ravaged the park just five days earlier. I have had the pleasure
of seeing the park in spring splendor before, so it was quite a contrast to view
the scenery after the devastation of fire. Realizing that fire is often a natural
occurrence that is required for the rejuvenation of native species made it easier
to appreciate the charcoal-covered scenery. To our surprise, green grasses were
already attempting to push their way up through the charred landscape. Recent
rains no doubt will help hasten their return. Trails were easy to spot without
vegetation, though a few places required some maneuvering around fallen trees.
Some of the trail markers had been melted to the ground. Be sure to take a trail
map with you--something you should do regardless of whether there are trail markers
or not. Rock formations appeared to be unscathed and without foliage to cover
them, were quite prominent.
The stream inlets nearest the lake were still too high for crossing despite the
dry period. We were easily able to cross the rear water crossings and it was
even easier to cross on beaver dams without any bushwhacking. We managed to hike
about 11 miles in a 6-hour hike making our way to the red rock canyon located
in the Wildlife Area. There are a few areas that remain unburned, but not many.
On the northern ends of the property, the Horsethief Trail crosses a
minor inlet and reveals a spectacular red rock outcrop which makes a wonderful
resting or lunch spot on the trail overlooking the creek. And, a forested area
which wraps around a creek at the base of a canyon area was still mostly green
with a few charred spots.
Driving through the park, we saw quite a few white-tailed deer--no doubt flushed
out of the charred woods to feed on lawns at nearby Venango--flocks of wild turkey
congregated in green areas and the park's prairie dog colony was active in the
late-day sun. A couple of Texas horned lizards and one six-lined racerunner were
spotted on the trails.
Click the title link to view a slideshow of the wildfire devastation. The beauty
of the rock shines with a vibrant contrast amist the stark landscape.
Directions: Take I-70 to I-135 South and quickly exit at K-140 West. Travel through beautiful rolling hills and ranchlands to K-141 where you'll turn south. Turn right at signs for Venanago. Pick up trail and park maps at the office, then proceed to your trailhead.