Caddo Lake State Park

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Trails Information

Take it all in, from the cypress swamps to the southern pines.

Adult woodpecker feeding two babies in a hollow tree trunk.
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.
List of Trails

Points of Interest

GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.

Point Latitude Longitude 360° Views Description
View of the Past 32.6844° -94.1778° View of the Rec Hall "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° View of the CCC Pavilion 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° View of Saw Mill Pond Bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss frame a front-row seat for viewing wildlife, including turtles and wading shorebirds.
List of Points of Interest

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.