Cedar Loop

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Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
PPWW 054

This site is open for day use only.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

From the intersection of US 67 and FM 56 in Glen Rose, take US 67 west 3.7 miles. Turn left (south) onto CR 2008 at the Fossil Rim sign. Go 1.2 miles to the stonework entrance to the Scenic Wildlife Drive on the right.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is best experienced from its 9-mile driving loop that passes through 5 large pastures where rare and exotic wildlife roam in a natural setting. Although best known for such exotics as gemsbok, cheetah, white rhino and Arabian oryx, Fossil Rim has many native Texas species to see as well. While driving through the park look for Wild Turkey and roadrunners along the roadway or perhaps a Great-horned Owl perched atop one of the hillside trees. The area around the caf_ and gift shop is of special wildlife watching interest since it hosts several breeding pairs of the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. The wildlife center is also actively working to improve habitat for Black-capped Vireos, another of Texas's rare species.

The wildlife center is globally renowned for its captive breeding of some of the world's rarest animals. Although the center supports breeding programs for numerous African species they also have a very successful restoration breeding program for the Attwater's Prairie Chicken, an endangered species native to Texas coastal prairies. Visitors wishing to see the prairie chickens should take the behind-the-scenes tour. Other activities within the park include guided mountain biking tours, 2 different lodges for overnight accommodations and regularly scheduled educational programs for children of all ages.

(254) 897-2960
www.fossilrim.org

Latitude: 32.1796
Longitude: -97.7973

Dinosaur Valley State Park
PPWW 055

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

From the intersection of US 67 and FM 205 in Glen Rose, go west on FM 205 for 2.7 miles to PR 59. Turn right on PR 59 and follow 0.6 mile to the park headquarters.

Although best known for its prehistoric residents, this state park is an excellent way to see some of north Texas' more current residents. Most visitors are immediately drawn to the Paluxy River and its famous dinosaur footprints. However, additional exploration throughout the park via the hike and bike trails can be very rewarding. The river is an excellent place to search for Roseate Skimmers and other dragonflies that occupy the riverbed. The ridges overlooking the river ring with the calls of Great Crested Flycatcher and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Look overhead for soaring Black Vultures who are occasionally joined by one of the resident Red-tailed Hawks. Moving into the open brush land above the river, Painted Buntings abound and Eastern Bluebirds are scattered throughout the larger meadows. In these open areas look for butterflies, including Red Admirals, Variegated Fritillaries and Dainty Sulphurs, fluttering amongst the wildflowers. The park also hosts habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo.

(254) 897-4588
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley 

Latitude: 32.2464
Longitude: -97.8136

Glen Rose Bird Sanctuary
PPWW 056

This site is open for day use only.

From the intersection of FM 56 and US 67 in Glen Rose, go east on FM 56/Hereford St. for 0.3 mile to Barnard St. Turn left and go 0.1 mile to the Glen Rose Bird Sanctuary on the right. The Sanctuary is located just off Downtown Square in Glen Rose. Park anywhere around the courthouse and walk to the corner of Barnard St. and Elm St. and go 1/4 block west on Barnard St.

Glen Rose Bird Sanctuary serves as an important example of what can be achieved for wildlife in an urban setting with some hard work and dedication. Located in downtown Glen Rose on a seasonal stream, the park is augmented by several bird feeders, making it an attractive residence or stopover for any migrant in the vicinity. In summer, nesting species include Carolina Wren, American Robin, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Eastern Phoebe. Winter species to look out for include Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler and American Goldfinch. Given the correct weather conditions during migration, almost anything could turn up, from Wood Warblers, to Eastern Wood-Pewees, to flycatchers. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.

Latitude: 32.2344
Longitude: -97.7556

Heritage Park
PPWW 057

This site is open for day use only.

From the intersection of US 67 and FM 56/Hereford St. in Glen Rose, go east on FM 56 for 0.3 mile to Barnard St. Turn left and go 0.1 mile to Elm St./SR 144; turn right and go south across the Paluxy bridge. Continue 1 block and turn left into the park just across the Paluxy River from Downtown Square.

Glen Rose's Heritage Park guides the visitor back in time as they walk along the Paluxy River just south of the courthouse. The park holds several celebrated buildings from the earliest days of European settlement in the region. Among the historic houses are native oaks, which support Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, as well as Mourning Dove and eastern fox squirrels. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Western Kingbird prefer the roadside habitat, while Great Blue and Green Herons can be found along the river. In the summertime, nesting Cliff Swallows frequent the park's Elm Street Bridge. Look along the riverbank for American Rubyspot, a boldly colorful, uncommon damselfly.

(254) 897-9737

Latitude: 32.2347
Longitude: -97.7524

Country Woods Inn
PPWW 058

Call ahead, access to the site is restricted; visitation may be arranged by contacting the managing entity at the address and telephone number provided.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

In the square around the Court House in downtown Glen Rose, take Elm St./SR 144 south 0.2 mile and look for the Citgo Gas Station at the road fork and stay left. After one block turn left on Grand Ave. and follow it north 0.4 mile to its end. Upon entering the Inn's entrance, continue and you will see signs at each cabin. The main house is at the end of the lane.

Country Woods Inn is nestled along the Paluxy River, just downstream from the Heritage Park. The inn offers a diversity of 13 different accommodations ranging from glorious country houses to a fully furnished boxcar. These guest quarters are spread out across riverside meadows and dense woodlands, providing a variety of wildlife-watching opportunities. White-tailed deer commonly graze the meadows among flocks of Wild Turkey, while in the woods, birds such as the Black-crested Titmouse and Yellow-billed Cuckoo can be heard. Several trails lead from the open meadow into the woodland along the river. This is the best area to search for Great Crested Flycatcher and dragonflies such as Eastern Pondhawk, Common Whitetail and Roseate Skimmer. American Rubyspot damselflies may also be found, along with Cliff and Rough-winged Swallows.

(254) 897-4586, (888) 849-6637
www.countrywoodsinn.com 

Latitude: 32.2373
Longitude: -97.7464

Cedars on the Brazos
PPWW 059

Call ahead, access to the site is restricted; visitation may be arranged by contacting the managing entity at the address and telephone number provided.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

From Court House Square in Glen Rose, go south on Elm St./SR 144 for 0.7 mile to Hwy. 56 South. Turn left on Hwy. 56 and go 0.6 mile to CR 413. Turn left (northeast) on CR 413 and follow 2 miles to a dead end at the gate, continue 0.3 mile to the bed and breakfast.

Cedars on the Brazos shatters all preconceived notions about log cabins and cedar trees. This 3-room bed and breakfast sits on a tranquil bend of the Brazos River, providing access to peace, quiet and some astounding wildlife. Many species can be found a short distance from the B&B, with nine-banded armadillos wandering the creek beds, Wild Turkeys foraging along the river banks and Great-horned Owls perching quietly on the neighboring cliffs. For those who don't wish to wander, many species congregate around the feeders that line the stone patio. Numerous hummingbird feeders bring dozens of Black-chinned Hummingbirds to the property daily. In the evening you can relax to the sounds of the Chuck-will's-widow and watch the shadows for the inquisitive gray fox that may drop by.

(254) 898-1000
www.cedarsonthebrazos.com

Latitude: 32.2388
Longitude: -97.7099

Somervell County Park
PPWW 060

This site is open for day use only.

From the intersection of FM 56 and US 67 in Glen Rose, go north on US 67 for 1.3 miles to Bo Gibbs Blvd. Turn left (west), go 0.1 mile and turn right onto Texas Dr. Travel east 0.1 mile on Texas Dr. and turn left into the park.

Somervell County Park is centered on an open soccer playing field which can hold surprises for the wildlife watcher. Lark Sparrows can be found feeding in the short grass and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers often perch on the goal posts. Common Green Darners and Black Saddlebags patrol overhead while Eastern Bluebirds often perch in the trees around the edge. The pond near the entrance hosts Red-winged Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackle. Downy Woodpeckers fly about from tree to tree uttering their high-pitched "kik" calls, while Red-bellied Woodpeckers are more likely to stay hidden in the oaks. A careful ear is required when listening to birds in the area, since the park's Northern Mockingbirds are accomplished mimics with an impressive repertoire.

(254) 897-4509

Latitude: 32.2512
Longitude: -97.7424

Cleburne State Park
PPWW 060A

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.

The park is located 10 miles southwest of Cleburne. Take Highway 67 south out of Cleburne, then turn left on PR 21. The park is another 6 miles on the right.

Admire the juniper (cedar), oak, elm, mesquite, redbud, cottonwood, sycamore, ash and sumac trees that cover white rocky hills. In early spring, there is a carpet of bluebonnets in the open fields and many other varieties of wildflowers throughout the park. Wildlife present in the park includes white-tailed deer, turkey, duck, armadillo, squirrel, skunk, bobcat, cottontail rabbit, raccoon, opossum, coyote and many species of birds. Popular fish include crappie, bass, catfish, bluegill and redear sunfish.

(817) 645-4215
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/cleburne

Latitude: 32.2524
Longitude: -97.5496