Trails Information for South Sulphur

Enjoy the natural beauty of the forest and the lake.

Close to the city though far away from the hustle and bustle, spend the day hiking, biking or horseback riding the variety of trails at Cooper Lake State Park. Choose an easy stroll, a challenging day-long ride, or something in between. There is something for every skill level.

Trails

All trails hiking and biking unless otherwise noted.

This list may not include all trails in the park.

List of Trails
Trail	Distance	Time	Difficulty	Description
Coyote Run Trail	4.6 mi. (round trip)	3 hrs.	Moderate	Explore the hills and “bottoms” of the South Sulphur River Watershed. Native Americans and settlers were attracted to this land of plentiful wildlife, plants and water. Take time to see the canebrakes and pocket prairies along the way.
Honey Creek Interpretive Trail	0.3 mi.	30 min.	Easy	Discover the diversity of this area, where many species of native trees and shrubs are identified. This short trail is perfect for families.
Little Bluestem Loop	3.1 mi.	2 hrs.	Easy	This novice trail winds through several patches of little bluestem, ending with a panoramic view of the lake. Seek out tracks of the animals who call this ecosystem home. From here, you can hike three other trails within the Buggy Whip Trail System.
Lonesome Dove Loop	4.8 mi.	3 hrs.	Moderate / Challenging	This large loop crosses creeks and passes by a tranquil pond. Many terrain and elevation changes make this trail vary from moderate to challenging, while staying interesting the entire time! Access this trail from the Little Bluestem Loop, as it’s a part of the Buggy Whip Trail System.
Rabbit Run	1.0 mi.	1 hr.	Moderate	Walk beneath post oak groves and through pocket prairies on these short but beautiful trails. Access this trail from the Lonesome Dove Loop, as it’s a part of the Buggy Whip Trail System.
Pioneer Pass	1.5 mi.	1.5 hrs.	Moderate	Milkweed and monarch butterflies can be seen along sections of this trail. Notice the old road bed along the trail? It was used by locals, before the park opened. Access this trail from the Lonesome Dove Loop, as it’s a part of the Buggy Whip Trail System.

Points of Interest

GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.

List of Points of Interest
Point	Latitude	Longitude	360° Views	Description
Sunset Cove	33.2924°	-95.6679°	View of Sunset Cove	Relax and watch the sun set across the lake after an excellent day of (leisure and) recreation.
Corral	33.2865°	-95.6809°	View of the Corral	Farmers raised cattle on this land before the lake and park were established. This corral and loading chute were used when cattle were brought in from the pasture to take to market.
Old Fencing	33.2879°	-95.6531°	View of the Old Fencing	Along the trails and throughout the park, you might notice remnants of old barbed-wire fences. They are left from a time when early farmers used fencing to mark boundaries and to keep their livestock from wandering off their property.
The Canebrake	33.2869°	-95.6503°	View of the Canebrake	Native Americans used the stems of river cane to make arrow shafts and flutes. Leaves from this native grass also make good material for weaving baskets and mats.
Pocket Prairie	33.2914°	-95.6645°	View of the Pocket Prairie	Pocket prairies are small openings in the oaks and cedar woodlands that remain from a time when large expanses of native prairie grasses once sustained herds of buffalo and many species of wildlife. Only a small portion of the native prairies still exist in Texas today. As you travel through the park, keep an eye out for other areas of restoration.
Harper's Hill	33.2942°	-95.6376°	View of Harper's Hill	In spring 1873, George Harper built and operated Harper’s Toll Bridge near this hill, one of very few crossings along this part of the South Sulphur River. For 10 years, travelers heading to Sulphur Springs and other points south paid 5 cents to walk across the river, 10 cents to cross on horseback, 15 cents for a single horse and buggy, 25 cents for a team of two horses or oxen pulling a wagon, buggy or carriage, 50 cents for four horses or oxen, or 75 cents for a team of six.

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.
Wear a helmet when biking. Check with park HQ to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails. Do not approach wildlife!
Check for trail closures after rainfall. Contact park headquarters for information regarding trail closures.

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.
Don’t Pocket the Past. Help preserve Texas heritage. Leave artifacts where you find them and report their location to a ranger.
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 to keep them safe, and to protect wildlife.
No horsing around. Horseback riders must stay on trails marked for horses. Other users yield to other trail users on multiuse trails.

Cooper Lake State Park

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