The Elgin Trail runs 41 km from Port Stanley on Lake Erie to Southdel Bourne, following Kettle Creek and Dodds Creek, along some country roads for several kilometres, and then goes over the 401 and crosses a forest near the Green Lane landfill site. The trail is well marked with white blazes, but is not well-used, so it is overgrown at times.
This new series highlights the best hikes around the world, trails that we would someday like to hike on and enjoy. There are an assortment of caches along the Elgin trail commemorating these other trails.
The Black Mesa Summit Trail leads all the way to the top of Black Mesa, where you can stand at the highest point in Oklahoma - 4,973 feet above sea level. At 8.4 miles out and back, this is an intermediate to expert-level route with distinct elevation changes. Hikers find a combination of shortgrass prairie and foothills covered with juniper, shrub oak and cacti. From the trailhead, head west, starting on a relatively flat stretch. The trail will stay flat, then start to slightly curve around to the southwest. At this point, the terrain becomes rocky, and you will begin to ascend the side of the mesa. About two miles into the trail, make a sharp turn, entering a series of switchbacks as you begin the 600-foot climb up the mesa. When you reach the top of the mesa, you'll begin the one-mile stretch to the summit marker. The trail will lead you to a granite monument that marks the Black Mesa summit and the highest point in the state. Take in the stunning view from the top, where you can see New Mexico and Colorado in the distance.
Opa Norshley helped me with the hides and the listing. Hope you like these.
The cache is in a tree just off the trail.