These fantastic hikes in our state parks are one our top list for families.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the Lone Star State, and we have listed the best hikes in our state parks for scenic views, towering trees, and epic trails. It’s also the perfect time to consider a Texas State Park pass if you plan to hike several state parks in one year—it’s an excellent investment …and the hiking is good! Dig into these best Texas State Parks for hiking.
If needing some fresh air and wide-open spaces, head to one of these exciting trails this weekend!
Best Texas State Parks For Hiking
If you don’t buy a state parking pass, the park admission fee ranges around $4-$8 per person. A Texas State Park pass is $75, so it’s easily obtainable if you visit more than 12 parks in one year; plus, you get a discount on merchandise at state stores. I’ve bought one each year for the last three years. Texas has 88 state parks. Whether you go fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking, or all the above, it’s nice to have that pass.
Dogs in Texas State Parks
If you plan to bring your dog along, it must be on a 6ft or shorter leash. However, your dog(s) are not allowed in any park building, including the restrooms, and they are not allowed to swim in the waters. When your dog is not hiking with you, it is supposed to stay in your car or a crate. But on hot days, that won’t work, so plan accordingly. Yeah, I know, lots of rules for pet owners.
1.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
AllTrails (4.7 stars) Top Hiking Trail – The Lighthouse Trail – 5.9 miles; moderate
It’s the Grand Canyon of Texas! Palo Duro Canyon State Park has over 18,000 acres and 30 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to complex. The park offers an array of 2-4 mile hiking trails that overlook the canyons and are family-friendly. It is located in the Panhandle, within driving distance from Amarillo.
If you camp overnight, you’ll see breathtaking sunset and sunrise views. And if you like zip lining, you’re in luck here because zipping over the canyon is a sight. It was my first zip-lining experience, and it hooked me on to the sport.
Admission: $8
2.
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
AllTrails (4.7 stars) Top Hiking Trail Haynes Ridge and Upper North Trail 6.5 mile loop; hard
Caprock Canyons is one of the Panhandle’s rugged parks, but beauty allures around it. The park has over 90 miles of trails that range from 1 to 15 miles. The park has free-roaming bison and is the home for the summer to half a million Mexican free-tailed bats!
If you’re looking for a full-day hike, explore the Trailway. It passes through the Clarity Tunnel, one of Texas’s last active railroad tunnels.
Many trails allow horses and mountain biking. Lake Theo, 120 acre lake is out there too.
Admission Cost: $5
3.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
AllTrails (4.7 stars) Top Hiking Trail – Enchanted Rock Summit Trail – 1.3 miles; moderate
Climb the top of the pink granite dome for sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country. To reach the top of the dome, you must climb 425 ft, but it’s well worth it. Enchanted Rock State Park has over 10 miles of trails, and the loop around the dome is great if you need more time to climb up. You can hike, backpack, rock climb, picnic, birdwatch, and geocache at Enchanted Rock.
Dogs are no permitted on the trails. Check before you go – some trails may be okay, but not sure.
Admission: $8
A visit to Fredericksburg afterward might be fun.
4.
Colorado Bend State Park
AllTrails ( 4.6 stars) Top Hiking Trails – Gorman Falls Trail – 2.8 miles; moderate
I’ve been to this park three times, and it’s not a very nice drive to the park, but once you get inside, it is. I’ll be totally honest: I have not hiked to Gorman Falls (yet). The first time I went, the park was full. It’s best to make a reservation online for this park. The second and third time I went, I didn’t have time to hike to the falls—crazy, I know. I’ve heard many times, the hike to Gorman Falls is worth every step.
Expect stunning falls and beautiful views, but rocky and steep.
Admission: $5
5.
Tyler State Park
AllTrails (4.6 stars) Top Hiking Trail – Tyler State Park Lakeshore Trail – 2.2 miles; moderate
Another excellent East Texas State Park in the Piney Woods of Texas. You will enjoy shaded trails, towering trees, and plenty of wildlife. If exploring nature isn’t enough for the little ones, have them find the geocaching hidden around the park.
Other outdoor activities at Tyler State Park include boating, fishing, swimming in the lake, and mountain biking. Bring a picnic to enjoy after a long day of hiking.
Admission: $6
6.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
AllTrails (4.6 stars) Top Hiking Trail – Black-Capped Vireo Trail – 4.1 miles; moderate
Hike along the Paluxy River and look for dinosaur footprints! There is nothing better than that, especially for children of all ages. Dinosaur Valley State Park is in Glen Rose, TX, about an hour’s drive from downtown Fort Worth. It is one of the best day hikes in North Texas and my favorite state park to take my kid.
This hiking trail crosses a river, and if you’re looking for dinosaur tracks, hope for a little rain. More rain covers up the tracks.
Be sure to pick up a map with all the dinosaur tracks at the entrance. After hiking, cool off in the Blue Hole swimming area.
Admission: $8
7.
Cedar Hill State Park
AllTrails (4.6 stars) Top Hiking Trails – Dorba Trail Medium – 6.6 miles; moderate
It said Cedar Hill is the most Outdoorable place in the DFW area for hiking, biking, and shopping. So they must mean the state park, too! I think they do. It was very nice (but cold) when I was there. It is only 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and a 30-minute drive from Fort Worth. Cedar Hill State Park.
The park has camping, boat ramps for Joe Pool Lake, and biking & hiking trails combined.
Admission: $7
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