Trails Information
Explore a rich history rooted in the ancient Western Cross Timbers.
You’re visiting the Western Cross Timbers, where Native Americans, legendary cattlemen, and health seekers all found sustenance. Witness the history of a community by hiking, biking or horseback riding on more than 11 miles of trails in the park. Choose from nearby waterfront trails, or explore the scenic backcountry Cross Timbers trails.
Trails
All trails are multiuse unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Waterfront Trail (hiking only) | 0.8 mi. | 45 min. | Moderate | Follow Lake Mineral Wells’ eastern edge to Penitentiary Hollow. The hollow’s steep, sheer walls create a unique habitat for wildlife and a haven for rock climbers. |
| Blue Waterfront Trail (hiking only) | 1.5 mi. | 1 hr. | Moderate | Explore the lake’s western edge as you wind past screened shelters and camping loops. Bring your binoculars to enjoy the Plateau Camping Loop wildlife viewing areas. |
| Primitive Camping Trail (hiking only) | 2.0 mi. | 1.5 hrs. | Moderate | Watch your step on this steep and rocky trail as you hike through a remnant of ancient Western Cross Timbers forest. Then you’ll see grasslands like those that attracted early cattlemen to the area. |
| Cross Timbers Black Trail (multiuse) | 2.3 mi. | 2 hrs. | Easy | Discover the Lost Lake wetlands. Much of this area was part of Fort Wolters, an Army training center during the 20th century. You can still see some fort buildings along the trail. |
| Cross Timbers Green Trail (multiuse) | 1.5 mi. | 1 hr. | Easy | Notice how the plants along the trail change as the Green Cross Timbers Trail meanders through a grassland savanna. |
| Cross Timbers Orange Trail (multiuse) | 1.3 mi. | 1 hr. | Easy | Enjoy this trail as it meanders along Rock Creek. Watch for signs of wildlife tracks or scat as you cross the creek. |
| Cross Timbers Yellow Trail (multiuse) | 1.6 mi. | 1.25 hrs. | Easy | You’ll also see an old paved military road that was used by troops training for combat at Fort Wolters. |
| Cross Timbers Maroon Trail (multiuse) | 2.2 mi. | 1.75 hrs. | Moderate | Head east to follow a high ridge overlooking a valley. The trail drops below the ridgeline into a natural depression as you head south. |
| Trailway Spur (multiuse) | 0.6 mi. | 30 min. | Moderate | Connect with the Lake Mineral Wells State Park Trailway and travel 20 miles of the historic railroad route from Weatherford to Mineral Wells. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Four Cedar Elms | 32.8207° | -98.0271° | See four cedar elms in a row, reaching for the sky out of Penitentiary Hollow. |
| Penitentiary Hollow Overlook | 32.8205° | -98.0273° | Get a great view of Lake Mineral Wells from this rustic overlook. |
| Post Oaks | 32.8154° | -98.0328° | These gnarly old post oaks have lived here longer than Texas has been a state. |
| Rock Creek | 32.8328° | -98.0309° | Paddle your canoe or kayak to the opening of Rock Creek and enjoy a scenic trip. |
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 ride 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.
- Climb smart. All climbers and rappellers must check in at headquarters. Climbing and rappelling permitted only in Penitentiary Hollow.
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.
- Campfires are permitted only in designated rings. Ground fires are not permitted in the primitive camping area or backcountry trail area.
