Trails Information
Discover Texas history and natural beauty at Abilene State Park.
- Mississippi kite
Explore a Civilian Conservation Corps treasure built in a wooded oasis where the Rolling Plains and the Edwards Plateau meet. Here oak and juniper woodlands mix with prairies, creating a rich natural diversity for wildlife watching. Explore the park’s hiking trails, visit the red sandstone CCC structures, or relax at Lake Abilene.
Trails
Trails hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene Dam Road | 3.5 mi. | Moderate | Bring plenty of water for this scenic loop trail overlooking Lake Abilene and Elm Creek Valley. Look for roadrunners and white-tailed deer in the hills, and waterfowl and beavers near the lake. |
| Bird Blind Trail | 0.3 mi. | Easy | This Civilian Conservation Corps road turned hiking trail will take you to the bird blind. |
| Legacy Trail | 0.2 mi. | Easy | Learn about the CCC and the importance of not pocketing the past as you take a walk through history. This short trail was once the pathway to a camping area. You'll see remnants of CCC-built structures along the way. |
| Buffalo Wallow Nature Trail | 0.2 mi. | Easy | Make your way around the spring-fed pond. This is the ideal location to spot the resident amphibians and reptiles. |
| Connecting Trail | 0.1 mi. | Easy | Use this Civilian Conservation Corps trail to bypass the road to get between Elm Creek Nature Trail and the Bird Trail. |
| Eagle Trail | 0.2 mi. | Easy (ADA Accessible) | Look up as you make your way past the park’s water tower – vultures often roost on it at night. Benches along the trail are great places to rest and enjoy the surroundings. |
| Elm Creek Nature Trail | 0.9 mi. | Easy | As you make your way around the park on this scenic trail, notice the elm, pecan, oak and black willow trees that tower over the trail. |
| Oak Grove Trail | 0.2 mi. | Easy | This CCC trail follows Elm Creek. It is a great trail for spotting the tracks of wildlife that come to the creek for water. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian Conservation Corps Water Tower and Playground | 32.2387° | -99.8820° | View of the CCC Water Tower and Playground - coming soon | The CCC water tower could hold 5,800 gallons of water! Today, it shades the playground. |
| CCC Concession Building and Swimming Pool | 32.2384° | -99.8808° | View of the CCC Concession Building and Swimming Pool | The park’s focal point - this pool has kept visitors cool for over 80 years! |
| Cowboy Circle | 32.2392° | -99.8801° | View of the Cowboy Circle - coming soon | The perfect spot for a campfire. |
| Bird Viewing Blind | 32.2346° | -99.8789° | View of the Bird Viewing Blind - coming soon | Discover the birds and other wildlife that live in the park. |
| Buffalo Wallow | 32.2349° | -99.8855° | View of Buffalo Wallow - coming soon | The spring-fed pond is the ideal spot to fish, bird or look for wildlife. |
| Oak Point | 32.2374° | -99.9008° | No photo available | Enjoy a sweeping view of the lake and surrounding hills of the Callahan Divide. |
| Elm Creek Trail Prairie Restoration | 32.2318° | -99.8844° | No photo available | Watch the evolution of this area as we work alongside Texas A&M Forest Service to restore native prairieland. |
| Lake Picnic / Swimming Area | 32.2334° | -99.8951° | View of Lake Picnic / Swimming Area - coming soon | Take a break under the oak trees. |
Staying Safe
- Know your limits. Prepare for sun and heat. Wear sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate clothing/hiking shoes.
- Drink plenty of water. Your body quickly loses fluids when you’re on the trail. Bring a quart of water per hour of activity.
- Tell others where you’ll be. If possible, avoid exploring alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Bike safely. Check with park headquarters to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals may live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on the trails.
- Weather changes quickly. Check forecasts before you leave and prepare for changes in the weather.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick. Please do not feed them.
- Take only memories and pictures. Disturbing or removing any of the park’s plants, animals or artifacts is a violation of state law.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
- Campfires are permitted only in designated rings. Ground fires are not permitted due to potential for ground scarring and wildfires.
