Good Parks with Long Distance Trails

[justicehaze]

I have been looking for some places to do some training hikes for my upcoming JMT trip and I have done the LSHT a few times and looking for something different. Really just want the ability to hike 15 miles a day. I live in Austin so somewhere within 4 hours would be awesome. Also love to here how people here have prepared for long hikes at high altitude considering our elevation.

[sargevining]

A great place for a good hike is the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge up in Lawton OK. Terrain will more closely resemble mountains than will the LSHT. Problem would be with camping in that it is restricted to one area or by permit in Charon's Garden Wilderness. IOW, you could string together a pretty good 15 mile day hike if you have shuttles on both ends.

Another good trail is a bit further away: Eagle Rock Loop up in Arkansas:

http://www.ouachitamaps.com/Eagle%20Rock.html

That one is better for camping and also more closely resembles the mountains you'll be in.

[justicehaze]

Thanks for the suggestions

[cTall]

Also, check out Cross Timbers trail
Its right on Lake Texoma (TX side). Texas Hiking has it's difficulty rated at 3.3 out of 5. It's the most challenging hike I have found ANYWHERE near here. Lots of miles to roam.
http://www.texashiking.com/Locations...ocationID=1774

[Klanecfsb]

The loop around lake Georgetown is about 30 miles. You have to camp in designated sites, the terrain is rockier than lsht and a bit more scenic. No huge climbs, but there are ups and downs. Inks lake state park has rocks and scenery, but is more of a base camp and day hike situation. It is nice even if the trails aren't very clearly marked.

[Klanecfsb]

As far as altitude.... Nothing you can do besides being in the best shape you can be in, and don't hit it too hard your first day out. It takes a few days to a week to acclimate. Stay hydrated and take vitamins. I live at less than 200 ft above sea level and a few years ago I worked on a construction project in Colorado at about 8000 ft. My first week there, the finish line of a 25/50 mile trail running race was across the street. For the 50 mile option you would run the course twice. Watching people blow through without stopping, while I couldn't pound one nail without loosing my breath was a shocker. But it didn't take long to adjust. Just don't get wasted drunk, take breaks, drink fluids and sleep enough.