Trailway Information
Though the railroad is no longer in operation, its legacy of instilling life along the Caprock Escarpment remains.
This 64-mile long, abandoned railroad bed turned rails to trails offers a unique and exciting recreational and historical experience for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders.
Trails
All trails are multiuse unless otherwise indicated.
All trail mileages are one-way, unless otherwise marked.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quitaque Canyon Trail (South Plains to Monk's Crossing) | 17.5 mi. | Hikers: 12 - 15 hrs. Bikers: 1.5 - 2 hrs. Horseback: 5 hrs. |
Easy | Begin your descent down the scenic Caprock Escarpment and experience one of the last remaining train tunnels in Texas! Stop and watch the bat emergence flight at a summer sunset. Recommended backcountry campsites: Near the restrooms at John Farris Station (MM295) Near Clarity Tunnel Eastbound (MM289) |
| Los Lingos Trail (Monk's Crossing to Quitaque Depot) |
5.0 mi. | Hikers: 2-2.5 hrs. Bikers: 30-45 min. Horseback: 1.25 hrs. |
Easy | Reminisce the days of old while you overlook the "Valley of Tears," a scenic and famed Comanchero trade area. Walk along a long train trestle over beautiful Los Lingos Creek. Recommended backcountry campsite: Near the restrooms at Los Lingos Creek (MM283) |
| Kent Creek Trail (Quitaque East to Turkey Depot) |
10.0 mi. | Hikers: 5-7 hrs. Bikers: 1-1.5 hrs. Horseback: 2.5 hrs. |
Easy | Experience the farmland and agricultural commerce the Fort Worth and Denver South Plains railway supported. You may also discover a wealth of wild plum thickets! Recommended backcountry campsite: Mullin's Rise (MM275) |
| Oxbow Trail (Turkey Depot to Tampico Siding) |
10.0 mi. | Hikers: 5-7 hrs. Bikers: 1-1.5 hrs. Horseback: 2.5 hrs. |
Easy | Experience rural communities that once were thriving towns during the heyday of the Fort Worth and Denver South Plains Railway. Stop in at historic Hotel Turkey for a rest! Recommended backcountry campsite: Westbound from Tampico parking (MM259) |
| Grundy Canyon Trail (Tampico Siding to Parnell Station) |
12.0 mi. | Hikers: 6.5-9 hrs. Bikers: 1-1.5 hrs. Horseback: 3.5 hrs. |
Easy | As you traverse eastward, experience the transition from agricultural farmland to red rolling plains. Recommend backcountry campsite: Parnell Station (MM247) |
| Plains Junction Trail (Parnell Station to Estelline) |
10.0 mi. | Hikers: 5-7 hrs. Bikers: 1-1.5 hrs. Horseback: 3 hrs. |
Easy | Enjoy a cool respite underneath a vast shelter of trees where wildlife abounds. Recommend backcountry campsite: Parnell Station (MM247) |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity Tunnel (MM289) | 34.2418° | -101.1225° | This historic tunnel lies approximately 4.5 miles west of Monk's Crossing parking lot. One of the last remaining train tunnels in Texas, look inside to admire its unique timber craftsmanship or listen for the squeaks of bats during the summer. |
| Clarity Tunnel Bat Colony | 34.2418° | -101.1225° | A colony of Mexican free-tailed bats lives inside the tunnel, with the largest bat populations occurring from April through October. Remember that the tunnel is their home and the colony can be sensitive to traffic, noise, light and human presence. |
| The Valley of Tears | 34.3095° | -101.0920° | Los Lingos Creek, named for the many languages spoken along its banks, was a major trade route for the Comanchero in the late 1800s. Step back into history as your eyes take in the scenic valley, the Valley of Tears, where captive women and children were likely traded. |
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.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
- Primitive camping is allowed. Check with park headquarters for information on areas where you may camp.
- Use only your muscles. To protect park resources, no motor vehicles are allowed on the trails.
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 HQ to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Do not touch bats. Never pick up a grounded bat whether dead or alive. A bat easily captured or on the ground could be sick.
