Trails Information
Enjoy a quiet retreat in these pine-oak woodlands.
- Raccoon
Discover the plants and animals that call this park home, and explore miles of winding hike and bike trails. Look closely for the structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as their legacy still surrounds us today.
Download our Trails Map | PDF.
Trails
All trails are multiuse unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winding Woodland Trail | 1.5 mi. (one-way) | 1.5 hrs. | Moderate | Meander through the forest, and enjoy the shade of the oak and cedar trees along this trail. |
| Pine Gulch Trail | 4.0 mi. (one-way) | 2 hrs. | Challenging | Travel the steep hills of Pine Gulch beneath a forest of towering loblolly pines. You’ll also see the remnants of 2015’s Hidden Pines wildfire. |
| Roosevelt's Cutoff | 0.5 mi. (one-way) | 30 min. | Moderate | Named for the president who created the Civilian Conservation Corps, this trail travels along a shaded creek bed. |
| Barred Owl Path | 0.1 mi. | 10 min. | Easy | This short jaunt connects two sides of the Pine Gulch Trail. Use it to shorten or lengthen your time on the trails. |
| CCC Crossover | 0.1 mi. | 10 min. | Easy | Discover hidden treasures on this short walk! You’ll find a historic bridge and impeccable rock walls and staircases built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. |
| Big Tree Retreat | 0.03 mi. | 5 min. | Easy | Take a rest and reflect under the majestic cedar elm tree. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCC Crossover | 30.0474° | -97.1597° | View of the CCC Crossover | Look for the beautiful rockwork and bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. |
| Big Tree Retreat | 30.0495° | -97.1625° | View of Big Tree Retreat | The state's former champion cedar elm stands tall at the end of this short trail. |
| Flower View Crossing | 30.0536° | -97.1638° | View from Flower View Crossing | Look for wildflowers here during warmer months, and spot wildlife year-round. |
| Scenic Overlook | 30.0555° | -97.1771° | View from the Scenic Overlook | Pull off of Park Road 1C and check out the beautiful view below. |
| Scenic Overlook | 30.0591° | -97.1777° | View from the Scenic Overlook | Relax and enjoy the beautiful view from the Pine Gulch area. |
| Pine Gulch | 30.0593° | -97.1774° | View of Pine Gulch | Smell the pines and challenge yourself to a steep hike in part of the park's changing loblolly pine forest. |
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 (32 oz.) 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.
- Wear a helmet when biking. Check with park HQ to match the ride to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Check for trail closures. Certain trails may be closed during wet conditions or for other resource management work.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
- Look up, down, and all around for hazards. Beware of falling trees and limbs above you, especially during high winds! Don’t stand under dead trees. Watch out for stump holes at your feet.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Keep the park natural. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick and more likely to harm people.
- Take only memories and pictures. Please don’t disturb or remove any of the park’s plants, animals or artifacts.
- We need to know about your caches. Please check with park HQ before placing geocaches within the park.
- Share the trail. Watch for others. Mountain bikers should yield to hikers.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
