Trails Information
Trail descriptions and points of interest at Caddo Lake State Park.
Take it all in, from the cypress swamps to the southern pines.
- Pileated woodpecker
Experience both the history and the natural diversity of Caddo Lake State Park in just a few hours. Soak in the quiet beneath towering bald cypress and oak trees as you explore nearly three miles of trails. Pause to reflect on the stories built into a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) recreation hall.
Trails
All trails are hiking only. Bikes must remain on pavement.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caddo Forest Trail | 0.7 mi. | 1 hr. | Moderate | Experience the historical and natural world of Caddo Lake State Park all in a short walk through the woods. Note: There are two sections of steps. |
| Pine Ridge Spur | 0.2 mi. | 15 min. | Easy | This short trail is an easy connector between two trails; hike through the upland pine forest, and find yourself in a bottomland hardwood forest as you continue on the Caddo Forest Trail. |
| Pine Ridge Loop | 0.7 mi. | 1 hr. | Moderate | Looking for a hike in the hills? Follow this trail to see the lesser-known side of Caddo Lake State Park. Note: Portions of the trail are steep. |
| CCC Cut-Through | 0.2 mi. | 15 min. | Moderate | Short but steep, this trail features two staircases, including one built by the CCC. Starting at the fishing pier, it connects to the rest of the trails. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| View of the Past | 32.6844° | -94.1778° | "CCC boys" built a Rec Hall for dining and barracks for sleeping in the 1930s; the barracks were converted to cabins upon completion of the park. |
| Civilian Conservation Corps Pavilion | 32.6905° | -94.1739° | Rest at this pavilion built in the 1930s as a gathering place for friends and family. It is a fine example of CCC craftsmanship. |
| Saw Mill Pond | 32.6932° | -94.1791° | Bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss frame a front-row seat for viewing wildlife, including turtles and wading shorebirds. |
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. If you get lost, please stay put.
- You may not be able to connect. It’s a good idea to take along a cell phone and GPS unit, but don’t count on them.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals may live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
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. Please don’t disturb or remove any of the park’s plants, animals or artifacts.
- Don’t Pocket the Past. Help preserve Texas heritage. Leave artifacts where you find them and report their location to a ranger.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
- We need to know about your caches. Please check with park HQ before placing geocaches within the park.
