Table Mound Trail, Elk City State Park
Elk City Reservoir, Kansas · 842 ft
Limestone bluffs on the east shore of Elk City Reservoir, with blackjack and post oak turning rust and deep red against pale shelf rock. The trail alternates between open prairie edge and closed oak-hickory woods, so the same walk gives both a wide lake view and a canopy interior.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 20 – Oct 28
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
low
Usually quieter, especially around dawn.
Getting there
Park at the Table Mound trailhead in Elk City State Park, about 5 miles northwest of Independence and 1 mile north of US-160, then follow the 2.75-mile trail to the bluff sections. A state park vehicle permit is required.
What turns here
- blackjack oak
- post oak
- hickory
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 24Typical color progression for Table Mound Trail, Elk City State Park. No change from Sep 16 to Oct 3. First color from Oct 3 to Oct 12. Approaching peak from Oct 12 to Oct 20. Peak from Oct 20 to Oct 28. Past peak from Oct 28 to Nov 7. Bare from Nov 7 to Nov 21.
Table Mound Trail, Elk City State Park is typically at no change on this date.
Light at peak
Table Mound Trail, Elk City State Park on October 24, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:13 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 104° | 7:39 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 36 min of low, warm light | 8:15 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:07 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 36 min before sunset | 5:59 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 256° | 6:35 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:01 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 56m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.