Thread: Looking for Good Park with Great Hiking

There are lots of hikes both short and long in Texas (it is a big state) the hiking forum here does a good job on many hikes. I would start by looking at Big Bend NP,McKitrick Canyon (Guadelupe Mountains) or Big Bend Ranch SP for backpacking for a real adventure, for something closer (by the way 2 hours north of Dallas is Oklahoma isn't it?)

Cross Timbers Trail at Lake Texoma is 14 miles from Juniper Point (US 377 nearest city is probably Madil OK) (or north of Whitesburo, TX) to Rock Creek Camp (near nothing, true primative hiking) Trail used to be well marked (do not know today)

Like I noted read throught the forum or buy a book called "Hiking and backpacking in Texas" by Mickey Little usually at Barnes and Noble and then ask the forum about a hike, I am always amazed how much knowledge is on this page. (THANKS to WILD TEXAS)

Thanks so much for the information. Yes, 2 hrs north is almost Oklahoma. We are about as far north as you can go. I also should clarify, I got a bit ahead of myself and forgot to emphasize that we have never really backpacked. We like to go out and hike from our central location at the campground at the state park where we have our car. We would love to backpack someday, we have just not tackled that. Thanks again for the info. We really need to check out Lake Texoma at some point. I actually was under the impression that the hiking wasn't that great.

Nothing wrong with central hiking, how far from where you live do you want to go?

Example, 4.5 miles of Trails at Eisenhower State Park TPWD: Eisenhower State Park

(lots of up and down the hills and steep at times ) 2.5 miles at Mineral wells SP, into the primative area then back,

Nice hike/bike trail from Highway 380 to Ray Roberts TPWD: Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Activities, Area Attractions, and Directions

should fit close by.

further away look throught the parks web site

Thanks for your replies, as well. I will certainly look into these places. I love all the suggestions because we really want to see other people's favorites and make sure to try to get to those places before we have to leave Texas. We have less than a year left here and my husband has a very busy schedule (he's in pilot training) so we are not going to be able to get to everything that we'd like to see, but we sure will try!

While Big Bend has miles and miles of wonderful hiking at all levels not just overnight backpacking, dogs are not allowed on or off trail because of the wildlife (mountain lions, black bear, javelina, etc).

Most State Parks allow dogs but on leash only.

Lost Maples State Natural Area is our family's fav place ( about 2 hours northwest of San Antonio). Small campground with mostly open sites. If you're lucky you can get one of the 3 or 4 that afford some privacy. Tents and RVs of all sizes. Lots of day trippers during the Fall. Hopefully you can still get a spot. at this late date.

Enchanted Rock is a great spot for hiking and rock climbing. Tent camping is all they allow.

Pedernales Falls is another one that is good for hiking.

I realize these may be further from home that you had in mind but thought I'd throw them out there for consideration.

Those are actually not further away than we are willing to go, we had looked a bit at Enchanted Rock and Lost Maples. We would love to go to Lost Maples at this time of year to see the changing leaves (I am from Indiana and really miss seeing the beautiful color this time of year). I am glad to hear you say Enchanted Rock has good hiking, that is one we are really considering. I also like that there is only tent camping there.

If you are into VERY challenging hikes I would highly recommend Caprock Canyons State Park. It takes about five hours to get there from Dallas, less for you if you're already north of here.

It is great for tent camping if you go to the back of the park to the Little Red or South Prong tent camping areas. Notice the map states several "Extremely Steep & Rugged" warnings that are not to be taken lightly, even by seasoned hikers (I did--the first time). Making it to Fern Cave is quite an accomplishment and the scenic overlook by the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail is incredible.

Greenstone Guide to Texas and the Hill Country: Caprock Canyons State Park
Here is a review of the park I found online. This guy has been to several state parks and has good informative write-ups on them.

TPWD: Lost Maples State Natural Area Fall Foliage Report

This will keep you up to date on the fall colors at LM.

Thank you all for all of the great information, we sure have a lot of interesting places to pick from!