Trails Information
Discover the natural and historical diversity around every turn.
- Wild Turkey
Regardless of the trail you choose, a unique adventure awaits. Each trail in Lockhart State Park yields dense habitat, opportunities to see wildlife, and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1935-38.
Trails
All trails allow hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Fork Trail | 0.4 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | For great views of Clear Fork Creek, take an easy stroll as you wind through this riparian corridor. You will pass some of the biggest trees in the park and see some of the historical CCC-constructed check dams. |
| Wild Rose Loop | 0.4 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | One of the more diverse trails in the park, this short loop winds through habitats of bluestem prairie grass, Eastern red cedar, and green ash trees. Beware of the thorns of the invasive Macartney rose bush! |
| Creekview Trail | 0.3 mi. | 10 min. | Easy | Enjoy this flat walk along the ridge above Clear Fork Creek to discover a great fishing spot. Continue on to link up to the Fence Line and Persimmon trails. |
| Hilltop Trail | 0.3 mi. | 15 min. | Moderate | Whether ascending or descending this trail, you will move through diverse landscapes with new plants to discover. |
| Fence Line Trail | 0.2 mi. | 20 min. | Moderate | Watch the landscape change as this trail parallels a large portion of the park’s southern boundary. |
| Persimmon Trail | 0.2 mi. | 15 min. | Challenging | Traverse the rugged hillside covered with Texas persimmon trees, and enjoy the shaded journey along the way. |
| Chisholm Trail | 0.7 mi. | 15 min. | Moderate | This trail will take you past the third hole of the golf course to connect with Rattlesnake Run, Comanche Loop, Fence Line Trail or CCC Trail. |
| Comanche Loop | 0.1 mi. | 10 min. | Easy | Named for the vantage point used by Comanche tribes in the past, this relaxing loop yields hilltop views of the entire park and surrounding Lockhart area. |
| Rattlesnake Run | 0.5 mi. | 20 min. | Challenging | The most challenging trail in the park, this trek will place you near the Recreation Hall. |
| Caddy Trail | 0.4 mi. | 5 min. | Moderate | This trail is named after the path used by caddies to carry golf clubs back to the clubhouse during the early days of our golf course. Now this meandering path will transport you between the Recreation Hall and the CCC Trail. |
| CCC Trail | 0.2 mi. | 5 min. | Moderate | From the back patio of the Recreation Hall there is a pleasant hilltop view of nearby Lockhart. This trail drops off the back patio onto the old CCC concrete steps that lead down the high hill to the golf course and the park road. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCC Swimming Pool | 29.8534° | -97.6968° | A view of the original steps into the pool. Turn around to see the old pool walls. A view over the wall of the pool check dam |
Site of the original swimming pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Only the pool walls remain today. Peer over the wall to see a CCC-built check dam that holds back the creek and creates an artificial waterfall! |
| CCC Check Dam | 29.8528° | -97.6973° | A view of the check dam and fishing hole | Several check dams dot Clear Fork Creek throughout the park. These water-retention structures were built out of hand-carved stone by the CCC. They create deep pools of water that serve as fishing holes and a source for irrigating the golf course. |
| Historic Golf Course | 29.8517° | -97.6983° | A view of the historic golf course | While the CCC built much of Lockhart State Park in the 1930s, the golf course was mostly constructed by another New Deal program, the Works Progress Administration. Now this historic 9-hole golf course is the last remaining golf course in Texas State Parks. |
| Latrine Ruins | 29.8480° | -97.6936° | A view of the latrine ruins | This concrete-and-wood pit toilet was built by the CCC to serve a picnic area that stretched along this section of hillside. The picnic area is now abandoned, but the old fire pits and trash bins can still be seen along Creekview Trail. |
| Recreation Hall | 29.8507° | -97.6994° | A view outside Recreation Hall A view inside Recreation Hall |
Built by the CCC in the 1930s, this building was originally used as the golf course pro shop. Now it is used for public programs, meetings, weddings, and other parties. Check with park HQ for rental information. |
| Water Tower | 29.8511° | -97.6995° | A view of the water tower | The original water cistern for the CCC Recreation Hall was built in the 1930s. |
| Old #1 Tee Box | 29.8513° | -97.6996° | A view from Old #1 Tee Box | Before the golf course layout was changed in the '70s, this was the "highest tee box in Texas." golfers would tee off over this overlook towards what is now the Number 6 green. |
| Comanche Loop Scenic View | 29.8472° | -97.6974° | A view from Comanche Loop | The Comanche Loop is named for this high vantage point used by local Comanche tribes to spot enemies from afar. |
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.
- 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.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
