Trails Information
A tranquil haven in the pines, rich with history and recreational opportunities
- American beaver
Situated on a spring-fed East Texas lake, Tyler State Park offers swimming, hiking, mountain-biking, fishing, paddling and camping. Discover the timeless design and craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that make the park a historic treasure.
Trails
All trails allow hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated. On multiuse trails, bikers travel clockwise and hikers travel counter-clockwise.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Hiking Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Loop | 2.6 mi. | 1.5 hours | Moderate | This trail includes elevation changes. You may encounter obstacles such as loose gravel. |
| B Loop | 3.1 mi. | 2 hours | Moderate | This trail is over three miles long and includes many elevation changes, making it a challenging but beautiful trek through the park’s many different types of forest. |
| Blackjack Nature Trail (hiking only) |
0.3 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | This flat, short trail crosses a grassy savannah, perfect for families and those looking for an easy walk. |
| C Loop | 1.5 mi. | 1 hour | Challenging | This trail is short but challenging. It offers the opportunity to see some of the larger pines in the park. |
| D Loop | 2.2 mi. | 1.5 hours | Challenging | This trail crosses several different forest types which attract a variety of migratory birds. Grab your binoculars and see how many you can spot. |
| EZ Loop | 0.8 mi. | 45 min. | Easy | You can head out on three different trails from here. Choose the one that suits you best. |
| Lakeshore Trail (hiking only) |
2.1 mi. | 1.5 hours | Easy | This trail is relatively flat with plenty of spots to picnic, cast a line, or just relax and take in the view. Please note this trail does utilize the main park road in some segments. Take care to avoid hiking in someone’s campsite. |
| Whispering Pines (hiking only) |
1.0 mi. | 1.5 hour | Moderate | The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed this trail over 70 years ago, planting pine trees and building a wading pool and a small waterfall. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History Lives Here | 32.4818° | -95.2842° | View of CCC wading pool | Look for the children's wading pool, rock waterfall, and Beauchamp Springs in this area, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). |
| CCC Rock Dam | 32.4847° | -95.2979° | No image available | The off-property dam visible from Trail C is an example of the CCC using natural building materials. Please respect our neighboring landowner and view this feature from the hiking trail only. |
| Bird Observation Blind | 32.4703° | -95.3023° | View of the Bird Observation Blind | Sit quietly in this blind and see how many birds you can spot. |
| View From the Past | 32.4795° | -95.2989° | View from the Lakeshore Trail of the lake and historic buildings | The CCC architectural plans include many scenic views where the historic buildings blend into the landscape. |
| CCC Overlook | 32.4751° | -95.2976° | View from the CCC Overlook | At the top of the hill, take in the view enjoyed by visitors since the 1930s. |
| Beaver Pond | 32.4756° | -95.2913° | No image available | Beaver ponds and associated high water levels create habitat diversity and attract many types of wildlife. |
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 mountain 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. Certain trails may be closed during prescribed burns or for other resource management work.
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 cause harm to 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.
