Trails Information
Experience nature's beauty and challenges colliding with human innovation and resiliency
Hike among the wildflowers where Native American tribes rooted their livelihoods. Ride through the impressive hills where ranchers and cowboys moved cattle. Marvel at starry skies that inspired legends and songs across generations. See the power of water eroding the limestone walls of Russell and Palo Pinto creeks. Speaking of power, do you hear a train?
We have several all-terrain wheelchairs for use in the park; contact us reserve a chair for your visit.
Trails
All trails are hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated by icons.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raptor Ridge Trail | 0.5 mi. (1 mile round trip) |
30 min. | Easy | Meander down this accessible trail with gorgeous overlooks or rest among the juniper trees as you listen to native songbirds. NO HORSES. |
| Connecting Trail | 0.5 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | Find your way from Canyon View Day-use to Painted Stick campground or Main Trailhead on this accessible trail. NO HORSES. |
| Tucker Lake Trail | 4.2 mi. |
2 hrs. 30 min. | Moderate | Bring plenty of water for this trek down, up and around the hills and limestone cliffs surrounding Tucker Lake and Russell Creek. |
| Cross Timbers Trail | 2.0 mi. (one-way) |
1 hr. | Easy | Drink plenty of water as you ascend from Russell Creek up to Main Trailhead. Watch for deer and woodpeckers as you walk along the edge of Canyon View. |
| Ben's Trail | 0.8 mi. | 30 min. | Moderate | Love lake views? Complete the lap of Lake Tucker along the cliffs of Russell Creek. Listen for the changing songs echoing off the hills with each new season. |
| Lakeshore Accessible Trail | 0.2 mi. | 15 min. | Easy | Step back in time on this short, accessible trail through the historic remains of vacation cottages. During spring, the unique plants here bloom with vibrant colors and sweet aromas. NO HORSES. |
| Buttonbush Trail | 0.7 mi. (1.3 mi. round trip) |
45 min. | Easy | Starting at Tucker Lake Dam, descend along the lake shore until you reach a welcoming mesquite grove. Watch for waterfowl hiding among the tall reeds and cattails. |
| Palo Pinto Creek Loop | 1.3 mi. | 45 min. from trailhead | Easy | Prepare to get wet! This well-shaded trail jumps back and forth across Palo Pinto Creek. During the summer, these low water crossings dry up. But recent rain fills the creek beautifully. |
| Texas & Pacific Trail | 5.7 mi. (11 mi. round trip) | 5 hr. 30 min. | Moderate | Don't forget your water! Descend from the Palo Pinto Creek canyon into prairies and tunnels of trees. Feel like a real cowboy on the western-most stretches of Palo Pinto Mountains. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Watch | 32.5384° | -98.5644° | Catch a view of dramatic evening skies or watch the train wander through the hills. |
| Mesquite Grove | 32.5296° | -98.5587° | Relax under the shade of mesquite trees on the banks of Tucker Lake. |
| Limestone Sinkhole | 32.5225° | -98.5660° | Look down or you'll miss this hidden limestone bowl next to the Tucker Lake Trail. |
| Russell Creek Overlook | 32.5284° | -98.5714° | On the edge of Raptor Ridge Trail, see where Russell Creek meets Lake Tucker. |
| Canyon View Overlook | 32.5328° | -98.5678° | Gaze at rolling hills, marvel at setting suns, or watch the trail come around the bend. |
| Wildflower Prairie | 32.5321° | -98.5719° | Walk through a sea of changing colors throughout the year. |
| Rocky Bottom | 32.5309° | -98.5804° | Skip across the shallow limestone pools and look for frogs among the reeds. |
| Ragsdale Cabin | 32.5400° | -98.6273° | Far west on our Texas & Pacific Trail, rest on this old hunting cabin's porch. |
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 at least one quart of water per person per mile. Don’t forget extra water for your pets.
- 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.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on the trails.
- Trains are best observed at a distance. Wandering onto or under railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Keep the park natural. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Keep nature wild. Don't feed wildlife so they can stay healthy.
- Take only memories and pictures. Help preserve nature and Texas heritage. Leave all plants, animals and artifacts in the park.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
- Campfires are permitted only in designated rings and not in the primitive area due to potential for ground scarring and wildfires..
- We need to know about your caches. Please check with park HQ before placing geocaches in the park.
- Trails can be rocky. Watch for steep cliffs and bluffs. Use caution when near low water crossings, especially after rain.
