Lake Mineral Wells

Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-mineral-wells Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway sits in the heart of cattle country, near what was once a popular health resort. You will love the area’s history and scenery, but you’ll also enjoy the park’s outdoor amenities: a lake, a rock climbing area, and miles of trails. We are just 45 minutes west of Fort Worth – c’mon over!

For assistance using this map, contact the park. Lake Mineral Wells #TxStateParks State Park and Trailway #BetterOutside TexasStateParks.org/App /texasparksandwildlife @TPWDparks @texasparkswildlife LEGEND N PARK ROAD 71 Spillway Cross Timbers Camping Area Post Oak Camping Area Live Oak Camping Area Lighted Pier PLEASE NOTE CROSS TIMBERS BACK COUNTRY TRAILS • • • • • • • • Multi-use trail for bikers, equestrians and hikers. • Trail is a double track, natural surface trail with gentle grades. • Horses will be ridden at a ‘walk’ at all times. • Bicycles will be operated at a safe speed. • Use caution at low water crossings. Watch for FLASH FLOODING. • Trail is made up of four loops. Entire length is 11 miles. Headquarters PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND ACCESS TRAIL Water and Electric Sites • • • • Equestrian Sites CHECK OUT time is 12 p.m. or renew permit by 9 a.m. (pending site availability). Park closes at 10 p.m. Public consumption or display of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited. Gathering of firewood is prohibited. Campfires are permitted only in fire rings provided at each site. No ground fires are permitted. Numbererd sites are for overnight camping only. NO PICNICKING. Please review complete Park Rules and Regulations posted at headquarters. It is the park visitor’s responsibility to KNOW and OBEY all park rules and regulations. • Stop the spread of invasive species. CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your boat. Plateau Camping Area SPEED LIMIT Cross Timbers Back Country Trail 30 Trail is for foot traffic only. NO bicycles or horses allowed. ABSOLUTELY NO GROUND FIRES IN BACK COUNTRY! Use of backpacking stoves is permitted. Trail is 2.5 miles long (one way). Steep grades occur first 1/2 mile. MPH Primitive Campground Access Trail Trail Courtesy Yield To Lake Mineral Wells Screened Shelters 1-15 Post Oak Camping Area Campsites 1-11 Screened Shelters Group Hall Hiking Trail Horse Trail Parking Rest Area Boat Ramp Low Water Crossing Campsites 12-58 Dump Station Swimming Rest Area Live Oak Camping Area Water Only Sites Picnic Area Rest Area Penitentiary Hollow Primitive Campsites Mountain Biking Trail Low Water Crossing Lake Front Trail Showers Wheelchair Accessible Primitive Camping Area Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway Trailhead Lone Star Amphitheater Restrooms Fishing Pier Concession Plateau Camping Area Campsites 59-88 Rest Area Cross Timbers Camping Area Amphitheater Wildlife Viewing Blind Campsites 89-108 Rest Area Residence Maintenance 100 Park Road 71 Mineral Wells, TX 76067 (940) 328-1171 TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. © 2020 TPWD PWD MP P4503-103F (2/20) Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. PARK RESERVATIONS TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org (512) 389-8900 Proud Sponsor of Texas State Parks 

.1006' Lake Mineral Wells State Park Trails Map 950' . 10 1002' .1032' 0' 95 ' 50 .1065' .1012' 10 .986' 00 ' .994' ' 950900' .1021' .991' 950'.945' .976' Cross Timbers Maroon Trail 2.2 mi. 0' 1.5 100 100 Park Road 71 1020' . Mineral Wells, TX 76067 (940) 328-1171 www.texasstateparks.org .1021' NDARY 8 .875' 1011' . 00 ' 6 0. U PARK BO . 950' .1023' 10 .1016' . ' 1000 .1031' .1029' 997' . ' 900 .1070' .984' .904' 1.5 9 989' . Primitive 0.13 Camping Area 0. 08 Cross Timbers Yellow Trail 1.6 mi. 1.28 0. 28 .916' 0' . 0.44 0.46 LEGEND Cross Timbers Green Trail 1.5 mi. .2 0 1000' 0.22 ' 900 0.33 0.73 .946' 900' 0' c Ro 0.4 3 0.5 7 90 Cross Timbers Black Trail 2.3 mi. Primitive Camping Trail 2.0 mi. (Hiking Only) 931' . 0' PR 71 ' 900 .962' 0' 90 Plateau Camping Area 0.11 .963' 1000' .992' PARK BOUNDARY .875' 0' . PENITENTIARY HOLLOW OVERLOOK 859' . .957' 32.8205° -98.0273° 849' Get a great view of Lake Mineral Wells from . this rustic overlook. 0. 08 90 1.49 0. 03 Live Oak Camping Area Post Oak Camping Area 853' 0. 09 950' Washington Road 3 .831' Park Entrance 850' 850' In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available 00 ' 10 NOTES: No claims are made to the accuracy of the data or its suitability to a particular use. .1006' Trailway Spur Trail 0.6 mi. 0' 90 Map compiled by Texas State Parks staff. 850' .1014' 10 at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. .962' © 2020 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD MP P4503-0103P (7/20) 0' .929' Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 0' .848' .818' .1004' .958' 00 ' .903' 950 ' 850' 850' .927' 180 2 All trails allow multi-use unless otherwise indicated. Contour intervals are 10 feet. 892' . Trail lengths are in miles. Elevation levels are in feet. .928' 850' 32.8328° -98.0309° Paddle your canoe or kayak to the opening 844' . .869' of Rock Creek and enjoy a scenic trip. 1 Red Waterfront Trail 0.8 mi. (Hiking Only) 851' . .872' ROCK CREEK .850' 0.52 Blue Waterfront Trail 1.5 mi. (Hiking Only) 85 0' 0.07 .978' 90 POST OAKS Screened Shelters .859' 32.8154° -98.0328° These gnarly old post oaks have lived here longer than Texas has been a state. 4 .940' Lake Mineral Wells 948' . . THE FOUR CEDAR ELMS .860' 32.8207° -98.0271° See four cedar elms in a row, reaching for the sky out of Penitentiary Hollow. . 948' . 4 ' 900 90 .934' k e re kC Cross Timbers Camping Area .868' .925' 899' . .917' (GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees) 3 .885' 0.4 .898' POINTS OF INTEREST 2 Cross Timbers Orange Trail 1.3 mi. 0.14 950' 1 .867' 90 898' Headquarters Restrooms Parking Park Store Day Use Area Swimming Area Boat Ramp .892' Fishing Pier Screened Shelters Primitive Campsites Campsites with.887' Water Campsites with Water & Electricity Equestrian Camping .891' Wildlife Viewing Area Amphitheater PARK BOUNDARY 0.57 1012' . 100 0' 90 911' . 850' TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915.or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact.TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. . . . . 90 0' . 

0' 1200' 12 00 ' 120 120 0' Cold Springs Road Shady Grove Road 0' 1224' 1162' 1182' 1148' 1100 ' 1172' Cartwright Park 1174' 110 0' Sunshine Lake 180 Weatherford Trailhead 110 900' Town C re ek FM 51 St 1000 ' POINTS OF INTEREST 1180' 00 ' 0' 10 110 900' 0' 0' 0' 110 110 FM 1195 100 10 00 ' 1100 ' l Hwy son M emor ia Ric W illiam 00 ' 1000 ' 20 90 0' 0' In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. 0' © 2020 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD MP P4503-0103L (7/20) TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. 0' 1000' 4 Miles 100 0' 80 1000' 2 Miles 10 90 900' ' 00 SCALE 900' 8 ROCK CREEK BRIDGE 32.8061° -98.0453° Rock Creek winds its way south through Lake Mineral Wells to the Brazos River. 0' 8 0 1151' 1131' 100 80 ROCK CREEK COAL MINE 32.8026° -98.0429° Coal from the nearby Rock Creek Coal Mine was loaded onto trains here in the 1900s. 1026' Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. ' 7 10 Map compiled by Texas State Parks staff. 900' 900' 1061' No claims are made to the accuracy of the data or its suitability to a particular use. 312 SS 1100' 0' 100 VIETNAM MEMORIAL PARK 32.7995° -98.0385° The Army’s Primary Helicopter Center was at nearby Fort Wolters during the 1950s, 1960s, 80 and early 1970s. 0 1100' 822' All trails are multi-use unless otherwise indicated. 0' 90 lengths are in miles. Contour intervals 20 feet. Trail Elevation levels are in feet. 900' HIGHWAY 180 OVERPASS BRIDGE 32.8005° -98.0362° This overpass was built for the trailway. The railroad ran at ground level and crossed Highway 180. 0' 100 5 ' 00 Rd Toilet 10 TRAIL TO LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK 32.8081° -98.0272° Head north from here on the steep, switchback trail to Lake Mineral Wells State 28 FM 30Park. 6 an Br Millsap ' 00 4 1052' Parking er -97.9945° ch sy as Gr ' 1100 970' 32.8321° Restroom ' 1100 DRY CREEK BRIDGE View the sandstone cut bank along Dry Creek. Headquarters 10 rn 0' US 281 3 LEGEND GARNER, TEXAS 32.8341° -97.9865° Garner was a common rail shipping point for agriculture produce from area farmers. Ga 100 2 Weatherford 1159' 0' POINT ON THE TRAILWAY 32.8176° -97.8794° Water either runs southwest to the Brazos River or northeast to the Trinity River from here. 90 ' 900 HIGH FM 113 1 10 1236' Municipal Hwy 379 (GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees) Cabaniss Lane od Bra nch 0' 110 100 900' ch Yield To 900 ' 5 ' 900 1178' Clark Bran 1000 ' ap Ils M 0' Cool 1236' ch 80 6 Multi-Use Trail 1068' Clark Lake Road Lak e PR 71 Washington Road 7 892' 4 1 Bran SE 25th Ave State Park Trailhead 10.9 miles e Pogu SE 25th Ave 928' 8 ST 0.6 miles 1112' 1200' SE 16th 1152' 113 818' 881' Branch Patterson 962' 900' Mineral Wells 958' 868' 1128' 1142' 1200' SE 7th St Garner ad Ro ey 1m 3. Garner Trailhead 1305' ell s ile Old Garner Road 985' Cotto nwo Min eral Well s 90 0' Hood Road 0' 3 958' 2421 Sm 5.8 miles 2 1275' la 948' 1036' 935' 1155' 1295' 110 10 0 1174' 1132' ch Beal Bran 180 1048' Cre ar Sh ' 900 1072' Ro ad 1100' Lake Mineral Wells SP 917' 1821 n 885' 900' Ballew Springs Road 898' ek ho 0' Dry 1295' 110 1016' 100 Park Road 71 Mineral Wells, TX 76067 (940) 328-1171 www.texasstateparks.org Au t 85 18 1021' d FM 1100' Rippy Branch ' 1000 Ol ' 00 10 100 Grindstone Creek 0' 875' 1200 ' New Authon Road 110 0' 1023' FM 920 Lake Mineral Wells Trailway Map 0' Mineral Wells Trailhead 12 00 ' 1 976' 1000 ' 100 1000' 100 0' 945' 00' ' 000 0' 

.1006' Lake Mineral Wells State Park Trails Map 950' . 10 1002' .1032' 0' 95 ' 50 .1065' .1012' 10 .986' 00 ' .994' ' 950900' .1021' .991' 950'.945' .976' Cross Timbers Maroon Trail 2.2 mi. 0' 1.5 100 100 Park Road 71 1020' . Mineral Wells, TX 76067 (940) 328-1171 www.texasstateparks.org .1021' NDARY 8 .875' 1011' . 00 ' 6 0. U PARK BO . 950' .1023' 10 .1016' . ' 1000 .1031' .1029' 997' . ' 900 .1070' .984' .904' 1.5 9 989' . Primitive 0.13 Camping Area 0. 08 Cross Timbers Yellow Trail 1.6 mi. 1.28 0. 28 .916' 0' . 0.44 0.46 LEGEND Cross Timbers Green Trail 1.5 mi. .2 0 1000' 0.22 ' 900 0.33 0.73 .946' 900' 0' c Ro 0.4 3 0.5 7 90 Cross Timbers Black Trail 2.3 mi. Primitive Camping Trail 2.0 mi. (Hiking Only) 931' . 0' PR 71 ' 900 .962' 0' 90 Plateau Camping Area 0.11 .963' 1000' .992' PARK BOUNDARY .875' 0' . PENITENTIARY HOLLOW OVERLOOK 859' . .957' 32.8205° -98.0273° 849' Get a great view of Lake Mineral Wells from . this rustic overlook. 0. 08 90 1.49 0. 03 Live Oak Camping Area Post Oak Camping Area 853' 0. 09 950' Washington Road 3 .831' Park Entrance 850' 850' In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available 00 ' 10 NOTES: No claims are made to the accuracy of the data or its suitability to a particular use. .1006' Trailway Spur Trail 0.6 mi. 0' 90 Map compiled by Texas State Parks staff. 850' .1014' 10 at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. .962' © 2020 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD MP P4503-0103P (7/20) 0' .929' Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 0' .848' .818' .1004' .958' 00 ' .903' 950 ' 850' 850' .927' 180 2 All trails allow multi-use unless otherwise indicated. Contour intervals are 10 feet. 892' . Trail lengths are in miles. Elevation levels are in feet. .928' 850' 32.8328° -98.0309° Paddle your canoe or kayak to the opening 844' . .869' of Rock Creek and enjoy a scenic trip. 1 Red Waterfront Trail 0.8 mi. (Hiking Only) 851' . .872' ROCK CREEK .850' 0.52 Blue Waterfront Trail 1.5 mi. (Hiking Only) 85 0' 0.07 .978' 90 POST OAKS Screened Shelters .859' 32.8154° -98.0328° These gnarly old post oaks have lived here longer than Texas has been a state. 4 .940' Lake Mineral Wells 948' . . THE FOUR CEDAR ELMS .860' 32.8207° -98.0271° See four cedar elms in a row, reaching for the sky out of Penitentiary Hollow. . 948' . 4 ' 900 90 .934' k e re kC Cross Timbers Camping Area .868' .925' 899' . .917' (GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees) 3 .885' 0.4 .898' POINTS OF INTEREST 2 Cross Timbers Orange Trail 1.3 mi. 0.14 950' 1 .867' 90 898' Headquarters Restrooms Parking Park Store Day Use Area Swimming Area Boat Ramp .892' Fishing Pier Screened Shelters Primitive Campsites Campsites with.887' Water Campsites with Water & Electricity Equestrian Camping .891' Wildlife Viewing Area Amphitheater PARK BOUNDARY 0.57 1012' . 100 0' 90 911' . 850' TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915.or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact.TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. . . . . 90 0' . 

Lake Mineral Wells State Park Penitentiary Hollow Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area PWD MP P4503-0103Q (4/20) TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. Penitentiary Hollow Rock Climbing / Rappelling Area FEE: Rules for the Use of the Rock Climbing Area $3.00 / person • All climbers must sign Liability Release at Park Headquarters. • Must be 17 years old or have written permision of parent or guardian. Youth group leaders/ organizers will sign a statement of youth group compliance. • The area will be closed under WET conditions. This decreases the chance of injury to rock and person. • Do not top rope to any structure in scenic overlook area. Use supplied anchors. 100 Park Road 71 Mineral Wells, TX 76067 (940) 328-1171 • Climb clean! NO bolts, pitons, or other equipment may be used which might damage rock or other natural features. Protection at Lake Mineral Wells State Park is from top rope only. • Climbing North of Creek is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Climb ONL Yin Penitentiary Hollow. • Rappellers should make every effort to schedule activities to avoid conflicts with technical climbers. All climbers must be belayed. • NO FREE CLIMBING, SOLOING OR BOULDERING ALLOWED. Climbing Routes & Ratings The Refrigerator O!fwid,h Lieback 5.8 • PLEASE REPORT ANY INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS TO PARK HEADQUARTERS. 5.10 36 Hidden Jewel 2 Arrow Flake 5.8 19 Heat Secker 5.11 3 Arece 5.10 20 Hand Crack 5.7 4 Dave's Boulder Problem 5.8 21 Apples ro Hell 5.10 5 Miscellaneous B.P. Traverse 5.7 22 Oz 5.11 6 George Hazzard Rau re 5.8 Practice Wall Backside nf Marn Canyon (Con'c) 5.9 5.? 71 5.8 Overhang 5.8 5.7- 5.9 72 Easy Face 53 UnderlmmigramTraverse 5.10 37 Keith's Way 5.11 54 Sandsconc Roof 38 GandolfWon 5.11 + 55 Break Rock (4 problems) Side Canyons Mam Canyon R1glit First Ovcrl1ang (Con'c) 70 5.9 RoofVariacion 5.11 39 Rewriccen 5.7 56 Boulder Wall 5.4-5.5 73 Easy Routes 5.9 57 RoofRouccs 5.9 75 Beastie Boys 41 ln search of Green 5.8 58 Dynamo Hum 5.11 76 ? 5.7-"5.9 25 Something in Between 5.10 42 Green Variation 5.9+ 59 Easy Wall 5.5- 5.7 77 Gator Head Wall Big O!fwidrh 5.5 26 Two Fingers Tequila 5.10 43 Roof R.ighr of Mulberry 5.7 60 Arece Solo 9 Miscellaneous Shon Routes 5.6 27 Moderate co Easy Climbs 5.6 44 Linc Left of Mulberry 5.7 6 I Hilo Traverse 28 Easy Tower (semi-circular) 5.5 45 Traverse from Mulberry 5.? 62 Solo Crack 46 Big Boulder Traverse 5.? 63 Grey Streak Main Canyon Lefr 10 5.8 Boulder Problem 5.8 29 Unfinished Experimenc B3 (V.?) 11 Anorher Dave Problem 5.8 30 One Weird B.P. Bl 0d (V.2) 12 Shon Easy Crack 5.7 31 Another Weird B.P. Bl 1 (V.3) 47 Black Flag 13 Slap Roof 5.8 32 Downclimb Ramp 5.2 48 Easy Face 14 Alaskan Crack 5.5 Big Overhang Backside of Mam Canyon 49 Finger Crack -�- - ��� 5,6 78 Easy Nose 5.8 79 Pocket Buddy Wall 5.7 80 Boulder Tra.verse 5.? 81 Diamond Face Boulder 5.9 65 Easy Crack 5.6 82 G.F.l.P. 83 Unprepared -- 5.6 66 Sandscone Roof 5.8+ -- 5.8 67 PccWces 5.10 15 Finger Stinger 5.11+ 33 Crumbly Boulder Problem 5.9 50 Vacarion 16 Thin Crack 5.10 34 Offwidch Trash Crack 5.5 51 Immigrant 17 Besrard Climb 5.10 35 Thieves 5.10+ 52 Right oflmmigram --- 5.1 lb 68 Rachael's Way 5.11 5.10 -- 5.10 First Overhang 69 B.P. Traverse 5.6 - 5.5 - 5 7 ? G.F.1.1� 64 Downhill Crack Traverse 5.10 - 5.? 40 Connect the Pockets 5.7 8 � 5.8 5.9+ 23 The Shon Unnamed Route 5.10 --- ---------= ---- 74 Uphill Traverse 24 Anorher Hand Crack Sce111c Overlook 7 Rig Overhand (Con't) Main CaJ1yo11 Ldi (Con'r) 18 5.10 Layback 5 Scramhle<l Egg Boulder 84 Scrambled Eggs & Chicken Heads ' 85 Pop's Memorial 

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE BIRDS OF LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK & TRAILWAY A FIELD CHECKLIST 2015 Cover: Illustration of Harris’s Sparrow by Clemente Guzman. INTRODUCTION L ake Mineral Wells State Park, located in Western Parker County and Eastern Palo Pinto County, encompasses 3,282 acres of rolling to hilly terrain and is dissected by several deep canyons. Fed by Rock Creek, the lake itself covers 646 acres. Sandstones and shales of the Mineral Wells Formation were deposited over 300 million years ago during the Pennsylvanian Period to form the geologic setting for the park. The Trailway consist of 262 acres spanning the 20 miles of abandoned Weatherford, Mineral Wells & Northwestern (WMW&NW) railroad bed that travels between Cartwright Park on the northwest edge of Weatherford to the southwest and ends in downtown Mineral Wells, all the while being nestled in between ranches, farms and rural communities. The vegetation is typical of the Cross Timbers and Prairies Vegetation Region with upland savannas covered by mid to tall grasses with scattered Post Oak, Blackjack Oak and Mesquite, also canyons and bottomlands supporting deciduous forests of Pecan, Texas Oak, Texas Ash, Cottonwood, American and Cedar Elm trees. Thick brush rims the deeper canyons, while upland dry woodlands contain Ashe Juniper, Sugarberry and several oaks. Elbow bush and Fragrant Sumac are common shrubs. Nearly 190 species of birds have been recorded inside the park. Here, Canyon Wrens reach their eastern limit in North Texas where they can usually be found at Penitentiary Hollow. A canoe ride along Rock Creek in summer can yield nesting Yellow-crowned Night-Herons and Great Blue Herons plus a variety of woodland species such as Red-shouldered Hawk and Barred Owl. Hooded Mergansers, Wood Ducks and other duck species usually hide out in winter at “Lost Lake” located upstream from Lake Mineral Wells along Rock Creek. Though mud flats are lacking in the park, a glance over the spillway area during migration may yield a shorebird or two. The marsh below the spillway and the larger patches of reeds found along the lake’s edge attract Common Yellowthroat, Marsh Wren and sometimes a Sora or two, especially in migration. 1 Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway is truly a point where “east meets west” in Texas. White-eyed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, and Prothonotary Warbler near or reach their western limit here in north Texas, while the Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Black-crested Titmouse are examples of those reaching their eastern limit. This mix of eastern and western species also includes both Ladder-backed and Downy Woodpeckers as well as Ruby-throated and Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Newcomers to this part of the country may be pleased to learn that Painted Buntings and Harris’s Sparrows are both common here in proper season and habitat. Some of the best birding in the park can be done on a canoe ride up Rock Creek where species indicative of river bottom woodland can be found. Other favorite birding areas include the primitive camping areas, the Trailway, the marsh and woods immediately below the spillway and Penitentiary Hollow. This checklist was compiled by Carl B. Haynie and Teresa A. Risdon and updated by David L. Owens. The co-compilers gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the park staff and the Fort Worth Audubon Society for their contributions to this checklist. Checklist nomenclature and organization follow the A.O.U. Check-list of North American Birds (7th edition) as currently supplemented. You can contribute to our knowledge of the park’s birdlife by sharing new and unusual sightings or changes in status with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Please report your observations to the Natural Resources Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin Texas 78744, or leave your detailed observations at the park headquarters for forwarding. Please help us protect the natural avian communities in state parks by refraining from using playback tapes of bird songs. Frequent use of these tapes disrupts normal avian activity patterns, disrupts essential territorial behavior and may lead to nest failure. Thank you for your cooperation. 2 LEGEND Sp S F W Spring (March – May) Summer (June – August) Fall (September – November) Winter (December – February) C Common – Should be seen or heard on any given day in proper season/habitat. Fairly Common – Likely to be seen or heard on any given day in proper season/habitat. Uncommon – Usually present but difficult to locate or local in distribution. Rare – Not expected more than once or twice per season or year. Occasional – Very Rare. Not Expected more than once every 2 to 5 years. Vagrant – Far out of normal range or season. Not expected to occur more than once every 10 years. F U R O V Note: “proper season” typically implies some fraction of the total season. I / * + Irregular: when used with status above, indicates abundance may vary pl

LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK AND TRAILWAY Visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/outdoor-annual for the most current regulations. Other info: www.texasstateparks.org 100 Park Road 71 • Mineral Wells, TX 76067 (940) 328-1171 FISHING tip sheet Local Emergency: Call Park Headquarters (940) 328-1171. Where to Fish: The park features six fishing piers (one lighted) and ample shoreline access to Lake Mineral Wells. Licenses and Restrictions: A fishing license is not required to fish at Lake Mineral Wells State Park (our lake is completely within the boundaries of the park). When fishing from a pier or other man-made structure within a state park, there is a limit of two fishing poles per person. Fishing is by pole and line only. HARVEST REGULATIONS SPECIES DAILY BAG LIMIT LENGTH: MIN-MAX 5 Min: 14” – Max: No Limit 5 (in any combination) No Limit 5 Min: 18” – Max: No Limit 25 (in any combination) Min: 10” – Max: No Limit No Limit No Limit Bass: largemouth Catfish: channel, blue Catfish: flathead Crappie: black, white Sunfish All other fish: statewide bag and length limits apply. SPECIES FISHING OPPORTUNITIES © 2019 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. POOR FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT Largemouth Bass Catfish Crappie Sunfish TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. PWD LF P4503-103K (10/19) HA N DY FISH ING BASICS HOW TO TIE A FISHING KNOT NATURAL BAIT HOOK PLACEMENT The palomar knot is very strong and easy to tie. HOW TO MEASURE FISH Pinch the tail together and take the longest measurement from nose to tail. Freshwater fish TIPS FOR RELEASING FISH SAFELY 1. For safety for you and a quick release of fish, mash down the barb of the hook with pliers. 2. Quickly play and release fish as soon as possible (take photos quickly). 3. Remove hook with pliers or cut line if the hook has been swallowed. 4. Gently place fish back into water. 5. Revive fish by holding upright in water and facing it into the current, gently forcing water through gills. Saltwater fish 6. If you don’t intend to eat the fish, NEVER place it on a stringer. FISHING ETHICS SAFETY • Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your head, eyes and skin. • Use insect repellent – but keep off hands, as you will be handling bait and live fish. • Look behind you before each cast to avoid hooking someone or getting caught in a tree (practice casting before you go fishing). • Bring plenty of drinking water to prevent dehydration; soft drinks encourage dehydration. • Wear a life jacket if you cannot swim or you are uncomfortable around the water. Supervise young children: it only takes a second for them to slip under the surface. Kids under 13 must wear life jackets if fishing from a boat. Before doing anything, ask yourself the following questions: • • • Is it legal? Would it be good if everyone did it? Would it make you proud? Ethical behavior is more than just following the fishing regulations. Ethical people go beyond what laws require and demonstrate good judgment and behavior for everyone – even if no one sees you do something ethical. Ethical behavior includes picking up trash around the area you have been fishing, calmly and politely explaining to others if they are breaking fishing regulations, and respecting the rights of other anglers and those that use the water in other ways. 

-Official- FACILITIES Get the Mobile App: MAPS ACTIVITIES TexasStateParks.org/app T O Y O T A T U N D R A The Toyota Tundra is built to explore the great outdoors. No matter what the weekend throws at you, your Tundra takes it on with ease. | toyota.com/tundra Official Vehicle of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation CONTENTS 4 100 Years of Texas Parks 6 Parks Near You 8 90 Checklist DIRECTORY TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 52 68 20 38 60 30 84 68 David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. Executive Director Rodney Franklin State Parks Director Mischelle Diaz Communications Director TPW COMMISSION Arch “Beaver” Aplin, III, Chairman Lake Jackson Dick Scott, Vice-Chairman Wimberley James E. Abell Kilgore Oliver J. Bell Cleveland Paul L. Foster El Paso Anna B. Galo Laredo Jeffery D. Hildebrand Houston Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr. Fort Worth Travis B. “Blake” Rowling Dallas T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston Lee Marshall Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth 52 Panhandle Plains 48 State Parks Map Special thanks to Toyota and advertisers, whose generous support made this guide possible. Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Cover illustration: Brad Woodard, bravethewoods.com Texas State Parks Official Guide, Nineteenth Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (3/23) TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas. gov/nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format, contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915, by Relay Texas at 7-1-1, (800) 735-2989, or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you speak a language other than English and need assistance, email lep@tpwd.texas.gov. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Mail Stop #0190 2707, Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528. In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. WELCOME from Rodney Franklin, State Parks Director This year is very special for Texas State Parks: We are celebrating our 100-year anniversary in 2023. More and more Texans are discovering the beauty of State Parks and exploring the outdoors in new and adventurous ways. Our teams across the state are incredibly excited to welcome outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who have yet to discover what our parks have to offer. The variety of Texas’ lands is unmatched; from the mountains of west Texas to the Gulf shores, the Texas State Park system celebrates and preserves the natural and cultural treasures that make Texas such a special place. The 640,000-plus acres that make up the state park system are nearly as diverse as the people of Texas. Since 1923, our mission has been to help connect our visitors with the outdoors. As we honor those who have come before us, I invite a new generation to be a part of the story of the lands that connect us all. There is more to enjoy in our parks than you know, so please join us in our celebrations and activities. Every day we look for new and better ways to ensure your state parks are welcoming to every Texan, regardless of their background or experience being outside. I hope you’ll visit soon and often, while bringing your friends and family along. YOU are a natural and we’re looking forward to celebrating the 100-year anniversary of state parks with you! WHAT’S NEW IN STATE PARKS Galveston Island State Park reopened the beachside of the park with a new headquarters, campsites, restrooms, and more. Bastrop State Park unveiled an extensive new group of trails, the “Tree Army Trails,” many of which are ADA-accessible. Improvements and major repairs are planned for Indian Lodge, Tyler, Inks Lake, Cedar Hill, South Llano River, Eisenhower and several other state parks All-terrain “GRIT” wheelchairs are now available at 10 parks with more adaptive equipment on the way to help people of all abilities experience Texas State Parks. Learn more about our accessibility efforts, page 14. More information: TexasStateParks.org/whatsnew 100 Years of Texas Parks The crown jewels of Texas road trips started as an unfunded wish list before the Depression. Back in 1923, Governor Pat Neff realized rising numbers of new car travelers needed places to camp overnight on multi-day trips. Neff convinced the state legislature to create a six-member State Parks Board, half men, half women. Isabella, the Governor’s mother, and her family donated acreage on the Leon

Guía de Parques INSTALACIONES Descarga la Aplicacíon Móvil MAPAS ACTIVIDADES texasstateparks.org/app ¡Los niños entran gratis! La entrada es gratis para los niños de 12 años y menores. Encuentra un parque: parquesdetexas.org Contenido Estero Llano Grande SP 2 Actividades y Programas 4 Parques Cercanos 6 Lugares para Quedarse 8 Tarifas y Pases 9 Directorio 10 Mapa de Parques 18 Instalaciones y Actividades BIENVENIDO Rodney Franklin, Director de Parques Texas tiene algunas de las tierras públicas más diversas del país, con una gran riqueza natural y cultural. La vida silvestre está por todas partes, los paisajes florecen con belleza, y la historia es abundante. Sus parques estatales son parte del legado que nos enorgullece. La gente de Texas ayuda a asegurar ese legado para las generaciones futuras al visitar y ser voluntarios. ¡Gracias! Estos más de 630,000 acres exhiben algunos de los grandes tesoros del estado. Los parques nos ayudan a crear recuerdos con la familia y a encontrar consuelo en la naturaleza. Los parques fortalecen las economías locales y unen a las comunidades. Sobre todo, los parques nos permiten pasar tiempo al aire libre para recargar energías, estar saludables y relajarnos a nuestra manera. Les invito a disfrutar de sus parques estatales, explorando lo mejor de Texas con amigos y familia. Los parques están aquí para todos. Nos pertenecen a todos. ¡Visítelos, diviértase y ayude a protegerlos para siempre! Foto de portada: Estero Llano State Park, Chase Fountain © 2021 TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (5/21) TPWD recibe fondos del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU. (USFWS por sus siglas en ingles). TPWD prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, religión, nacionalidad de origen, discapacidad, edad y género, conforme la ley estatal y federal. Para solicitar un acomodo especial u obtener información en un formato alternativo, por favor contacte a TPWD en un Teléfono de Texto (TTY) al (512) 3898915 ó por medio de “Relay Texas” al 7-1-1 ó (800) 735-2989 ó por email a accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. Si usted cree que TPWD ha discriminado en su contra, favor de comunicarse con TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, o con el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU., Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. De acuerdo con la Ley de Depósito del Estado de Texas, esta publicación está disponible en el centro de Distribución de Publicaciones del Estado de Texas y/o las Bibliotecas de Depósito de Texas. ACTIVIDADES Y PROGRAMAS ¿Qué puedo hacer en los parques estatales? ¡Disfruta de un día de campo, visita un sitio histórico o elige entre muchas otras opciones! Bicicletas Pedalea a lo largo de los parques a cualquier velocidad, en cualquier estilo, con cualquier grupo. Elige las rutas, el tipo de terreno y las distancias que cumplan con tu zona de confort. Caminatas Empieza con un circuito más corto, avanza a terrenos más difíciles o únete a una caminata guiada. Pescar Puedes pescar sin licencia en tantos como 70 parques estatales. Muchos parques ofrecen equipo para pescar a manera de préstamo y eventos especiales para aprender a pescar. Barcos Renta canoas y kayacs y explora uno de los senderos acuáticos en Texas. Nadar Animales Silvestres Acampar Descubre aves, mamíferos y plantas que tienen su hogar en Texas. Muchos parques tienen señalamientos y listados que te ayudan a aprender más. Encuentra un lugar que cumpla con lo que quieres. Prueba nuevas recetas, comparte historias favoritas y disfruta de las estrellas. 2 Más información y reservaciones: parquesdetexas.org Escape del calor en arroyos, ríos, lagos, manantiales, piletas y playas del mar. Tu seguridad en el agua es muy importante. Lleva el chaleco salvavidas. Aprende a nadar. Guarda a los niños. (512) 389-8900 ¡Pregunta en tu parque cuáles están disponibles! Los niños de 12 años y menores entran GRATIS Cielos Estrellados Escapa de las luces de la ciudad y goza de maravillosas vistas del cielo que no encontrarás en ninguna otra parte. Ven a una fiesta de estrellas o toma una excursión de constelaciones auto-guiada. Familias en la Naturaleza Elige un taller o diseña tu propia aventura. ¡Monta una tienda de campaña, cocina al exterior, prende una fogata y juega al exterior! Nosotros te Toma una publicación gratuita de actividades o pregunta por los paquetes gratuitos con los parques proporcionamos todo el equipo. No es necesario tener experiencia. participantes. Usa los binoculares, lupas, libros de bosquejos y libros de guías para explorar el parque. Mochilas para Exploradores Soldados Búfalo de Texas Descubre la historia con cuentos, vestuarios y herramientas. Sigue la pista de un animal, pesca con caña, cocina sobre una fogata, visita los fuertes y más. Adéntrate en las historias de vida de aquellos que sirvieron valientemente en los primeros regimientos Áfrico-Americanos de las Fuerzas Armadas. ! Seguridad en el Parque Ten cuidado con el agua Pre