This trail follows an amazing gorge cut by the failed continental rift of ages past. The landscape split and was carved over hundreds of millions of years leaving stunning beauty and some really great overlooks. The hike to the Narrows overlook is simple and straight forward. Moving on from there the trail is a little hard to find, but keep pushing forward and you'll pick it up. Remeber, if it seems like more than you bargained for, its probably not the trail. Keep looking and you'll see it. 

Boulders of granite in the creek bed have been polished almost smooth. Soft, small rapids moving over the large rocks and birds chirping give great ambiance to this amazing area. 

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, the summit of Eagle Mountain (2254 ft) is along this trail as well. It can be a bit more challenging and is definitely more of a scramble to the top, but the view is worth it. 

It's really something to be able to experience something truly ancient. The Wichita Mountains seem to rise out of the Southern Plains in defiance of the landscape. These mountains, dated back some 500 million years (before dinosaurs roamed the earth) tell their own story with sights, smells, and textures. Now, only small mountains topping out at a little over 2,000 feet, geologists estimate that they once reached heights of over 20,000 feet. Eons of wind and water have reduced them to granite hills and boulders.

This trail winds it's way up the gentle side of Elk Mountain and ends at the false summit on the northern edge of the relatively flat peak. Hiking further South you reach the true summit. 

While not a difficult hike, It does have it's challenges. The biggest being the visibility of the trail itself in some of the more open and rocky portions. 

The second difficulty is the elevation gain on the last leg of the trail. If you're in decent shape it won't be much of an issue. But if you're a little out of shape (like me) it could be a little difficult to make that last push after moving the first mile or so along the trail. Think 5 floors worth of stairs with a few small flat areas about 5 to 10 feet long. 

The reward of the summit is spectacular panoramic views of the Charon's Garden Wilderness areas to the South. Views of the creek and lakes stretching from Southwest and heading North into the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. 

There are also several beautiful vistas along the trail to stop and enjoy the view (read, "catch your breath") and enjoy a drink of water. 

I'd suggest carrying a water bottle or two with you, especially if it is warmer out. Bring a camera to capture some of the amazing scenery. And bring a friend to share the experience.