Lake Wilson

Since I don't get to go hiking today (in the 30's, blah), I might as well write about it.

This trail is actually called the Joe Clark Trail at Lake Wilson, but we just say, "Let's go to Lake Wilson". Well two times we have said that anyway.

We found out about this trail through our Tim Ernst book about Dayhikes for Families. I have to say, getting to it the first time was a bit daunting. The book didn't have the updated road information in it, so we had to do a little guesswork. This place is out in the middle of nowhere. I am pretty sure I heard Deliverance music playing in the background as we drove out there. Even now, I cannot tell you exactly how to get there. My suggestion: Google. :) I do know it is near the Fayetteville airport (as in Drake Field).

We went in the fall both times, about a year apart. The biggest difference about the second trip was that we hadn't had rain in a long time so the creeks were basically dry. Not nearly as much fun for the kiddos but we still enjoyed the trail. Most of these pictures are from our first trip out there in November of 2009 (You will notice J-man is still in the backpack at that point...we also had Hunter's friend/neighbor L with us), with a couple of pictures from our second trip (October 2010) mixed in.


Not the most helpful map/information area. There is a pavilion but I don't think there are any restrooms (that I remember).

The trailhead starts to the right of the pavilion.

The first part of the hike (which is around 1 1/2 miles depending on which paths you choose) is right by the lake. We try to keep our crew quiet because there is a good chance someone will be fishing there.
This was on our first visit. It had rained all but 7 days I think in the month of October, so there was a little water left. Second visit it was dry as a bone.
Another little creek area to cross
I will consider this hike moderate only because if you do the upper trail (which we did both times), it is a little bit of incline. It isn't that difficult though.
The kids favorite part was the rock area. There were several "bluffs" up above the lake but most were not too tall. So the kids had a fun time scrambling on them. The first time we went, we didn't get as much "rock" time because of the time/Daylight Savings, so the second time we went, that was our kids' mission. To explore, climb, and play.


At one point, you are quite "high" on the trail and can look down at the lake below. It is beautiful. Especially at sunset.
This trail is a loop, so you come out where you started.

We never saw any snakes though I am sure there are times of year they are out and about. The only "wildlife" we have really seen on this trail include a tiny frog and a blue heron on the lake.

It doesn't have any major "Wow" factors (like a cave or a waterfall), but it really is a nice little trail for a family. It is very safe and easy to walk (other than the hill you climb at the beginning). I have a feeling we will be back yet again!
Reba