In 1968 a small plane carrying two passengers en route to Las Vegas crashed in the Wichita Mountains in southern Oklahoma. Vistors to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge can hike to the site and still see debris left behind from the crash. Take a look at this extraordinary hike:
The site of the crash is located on Mount Lincoln - the second highest peak in the Wichita Mountain’s area of Charon’s Garden Wilderness.
Amie Heim/All Trails
The area is also home to three other peaks: Bat Cave Mountain, Bat Cave Peak and Phantom Mountains.
Amie Heim/All Trails
Take the Bat Cave Trail - a 0.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail to the top of the peak. It involves hiking over boulders, so be prepared for more than just “trail” hiking.
Amie Heim/All Trails
There are massive boulders at the top that are characteristic of Mount Lincoln. They are the size of a house and easily recognizable from all around.
Amie Heim/All Trails
Not only will this hike take you to some of the best scenery in the state, but it will also lead you to the site of an old plane crash from the 1960s. (Please note: You will need to venture off the path to find the unmarked plane crash.)
Kyle Neal/Youtube
Hikers that have found this site have photographed wreckage from the crash. Pictured below is a piece of the radio from the old Cessna.
Kyle Neal/Youtube
Tubular frames, springs, melted aluminum, standoff rods and fiberglass are some of the debris that has been found from the crash.
Kyle Neal/Youtube
The plane was never reported missing but the crash site was discovered two days after the plane hit the boulders and burned in the mountains.
Kyle Neal/Youtube
During the hike, you’ll also see Bat Cave tucked away in the mountains. If you’re really feeling adventurous, climb your way into the cave and do a little exploring.
Brad Stone/AllTrails
Want to see what the hike will look like in real life? Watch the video below:
Amie Heim/All Trails
Kyle Neal/Youtube
Brad Stone/AllTrails
Did you know about this hike in the Wichita Mountains? If so, have you taken the hike and seen the debris from the plane crash? If you have any photos you would like to share, please post them in the comments section. There are several wonderful hikes in the Wichita Mountains. Click here to see another trail in the area that is one of the most beautiful in the whole state.
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