Trails Information
Enjoy nature’s splendor within a hardwood forest.
Far from the city, close to nature, Lake Tawakoni brings life to the forest. Experience nature by bike or foot on the varied trails of the park. Nature is all around us, please respect and enjoy it.
Trails
All trails are hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farkleberry Trail | 0.5 mi. | 15 min. | Easy | This short trail connects three different trails. Turn right at the crossing to join the Osage Orange Trail, or turn left for a longer hike down the Blackjack Trail. |
| Osage Orange Trail | 0.8 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | Named for the fruit of the Osage orange or Bois d’Arc tree, this looped trail joins Red Oak Trail and returns to the crossing. The Osage orange is a green/yellow, hard, bumpy fruit about the size of a softball. It is an important food source for wildlife in late summer and early fall. |
| Red Oak Trail | 0.4 mi. | 15 min. | Easy | This tree-lined trail follows the Lake Tawakoni shoreline. You may observe wildlife among the changing habitat along this trail. |
| Blackjack Trail | 1.5 mi. | 2 hrs. | Moderate | This trail is named for the blackjack oak trees which have grown here for over 50 years. This long trail will bring you back to the crossing. |
| Spring Point Branch Trail | 0.1 mi. | 5 min. | Easy | Spring Point Branch is a short, pleasant trail through an East Texas hardwood forest. Turn around at the T or continue on to the Spring Point Trail. |
| Spring Point Trail | 0.4 mi. | 45 min. | Moderate | Discover a birders' paradise along this trail – beneath the trees, in a pocket prairie, or out on the beach. |
| Spring Point East Trail | 0.4 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | Take this short looped trail out on the point to enjoy a glimpse of the lake. |
| White Deer Trail | 0.4 mi. | 45 min. | Easy | Just out of campers' view, this nature trail may provide some unexpected wildlife viewing opportunities. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Going Green! | 32.8420° | -95.9936° | Solar panels are located at more than 15 parks across the state, harvesting energy from the sun and providing power for facilities. |
| Restoring a Prairie | 32.8430° | -95.9939° | Prairie restoration projects provide important habitat for many rare plants and animals; imagine vast acres of tallgrass prairie once prominent across the state, now lost to urban development and agriculture. |
| A View of the Lake | 32.8524° | -95.9941° | For thousands of years, the meandering waters of the Sabine River helped sustain early nomadic hunters and gatherers and later, farmers and ranchers of the 20th century. Today, an over 37,000-acre lake conserves water for recreation, industry and communities. |
| A Temporary Gathering | 32.8518° | -95.9938° | A rare occurrence in 2007 - a large communal spiderweb covered the trees like a sheet. The web only lasted a few days, and remains one of the largest spiderwebs ever recorded. |
| Feathered Friends | 32.8520° | -95.9924° | Stop and take a moment to enjoy the birds in the wetland and upland habitats. Many species spend part of the winter season here. |
| Bustling Boats | 32.8465° | -95.9959° | View the activities at the boat ramp while you take a break from your hike among the trees. |
| Pear Trees Pond | 32.8442° | -95.9940° | Sit and enjoy the sounds of nature near the pond and view the freshwater plants that make this a good fishing spot. |
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 headquarters 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.
- 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.
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.
