Hidden Trails of Eastland Texas: A Hiker's Guide
Nestled in the rolling terrain of North Central Texas, Eastland County offers surprising hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore off the beaten path. Located approximately 100 miles west of Fort Worth along Interstate 20, the city of Eastland serves as a convenient hub for accessing these natural areas. From mysterious abandoned structures to scenic lake views, these trails provide unique experiences that showcase the region’s natural beauty and fascinating history. Here’s your guide to six hiking destinations worth exploring in the Eastland area.
Old Zoo Nature Trail at Lake Cisco
Located about 12 miles southwest of Eastland (or approximately 110 miles west of Fort Worth), just outside the small town of Cisco lies one of the most intriguing hiking spots in the region. The Old Zoo Nature Trail takes you through the ruins of an abandoned zoo from the 1920s, offering a unique blend of history and nature. This 1.5-mile trail weaves through what was once the Cisco Zoo, where you can still see the remains of animal enclosures, concrete shelters, and other structures dating back nearly a century.
The trail is generally considered easy to navigate, though some sections can be slightly overgrown. What makes this hike truly special is the opportunity to explore these historical ruins while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Along with the zoo remains, the site also features what was once promoted as “The World’s Largest Concrete Swimming Pool,” another relic from the area’s heyday as a tourist destination.
The zoo has a fascinating history – it operated for nearly two decades before closing under mysterious circumstances in the 1930s. Local lore mentions the unsolved poisoning of a bear and suspicious death of a deer among the reasons for its closure. In 2021, a nonprofit organization called Students, Athletics, Families and Education (SAFE) transformed the overgrown property into navigable hiking trails, making this historical site accessible to the public.
The trail offers a perfect blend of light hiking and historical exploration, making it ideal for families and history buffs alike. The mysterious atmosphere created by the abandoned structures adds a unique dimension to what would otherwise be a simple nature walk.
Ringling Lake Park
Just a short 3-mile drive from downtown Eastland (approximately 100 miles west of Fort Worth), Ringling Lake Park presents another interesting hiking opportunity in Eastland County. This small park features hiking trails that wind through Post-Oak woodlands and showcase a variety of native Texas plant species. While primarily used by locals, the park offers several miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers.
The park has an interesting history – it was originally built as a water stop for the Eastland, Wichita Falls and Gulf railroad line. Though popular legend suggests it was built for the Ringling Brothers Circus (hence the name), the actual connection is that John Ringling, of circus fame, helped finance the railroad in 1918.
The Ringling Lake Trail forms a 3.9-kilometer loop that’s rated as easy to moderate and can typically be completed in under an hour. While there aren’t many panoramic vistas along the route, the trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly birds.
When visiting Ringling Lake Park, be aware that certain areas are restricted – the park contains a members-only gun range and archery range that are off-limits to hikers. For those who want to explore, you’ll need to park at the entrance and proceed on foot, as the older sections of the park are not accessible by vehicle.
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Scheduled to open in summer 2025, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park will be the first new state park in North Texas in nearly 20 years. Located about 75 miles west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and approximately 45 miles northeast of Eastland, this 4,871-acre former ranch land promises to be a significant addition to Texas’s outdoor recreation options.
The landscape features rolling hills reminiscent of the Texas Hill Country, with stands of Texas oaks and diverse wildlife including deer and wild turkey. The park wraps around the 90-acre Tucker Lake, which will offer opportunities for canoeing and fishing. Plans include an extensive network of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, with routes leading to remote areas with expansive vistas.
The park’s development has been a collaborative effort between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and The Nature Conservancy, which helped acquire the land in 2011. When fully operational, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is expected to draw up to 100,000 visitors annually, offering hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing, and other outdoor activities.
With the park’s opening just around the corner, outdoor enthusiasts in North Texas have an exciting new destination to look forward to exploring this year.
Possum Kingdom State Park
Located in the rugged canyon country of the Palo Pinto Mountains and Brazos River Valley, about 60 miles northeast of Eastland (or approximately 80 miles west of Fort Worth), Possum Kingdom State Park offers 1,528 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities. The park is adjacent to the 20,000-acre Possum Kingdom Lake, known for its remarkably clear, blue waters.
Hikers can enjoy the park’s trails that wind through diverse terrain showcasing the natural beauty of the region. The park is home to abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, and offers excellent opportunities for bird watching. Visitors might spot Chipping Sparrows, Painted Buntings, herons, egrets, and even Bald Eagles during winter months.
Beyond hiking, Possum Kingdom State Park offers camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and boating. The park features both premium sites near the shore with easy access to the swimming area and general store, as well as more natural, scenic, treed areas that many tent campers prefer.
For hikers who also enjoy water activities, Possum Kingdom provides an excellent combination of trail experiences and lake recreation.
Inez Spring Riverfront RV Park
Welcome to your home base – Inez Spring Riverfront Park! Conveniently located just off Interstate 20 at exit 343 (just a few from downtown Eastland), our park offers hiking centered around our natural spring waters and the scenic Leon River.
For our hiking enthusiasts, we’ve carefully designed and maintained a network of trails that showcase the best natural features of the property. Our signature paths guide you along dramatic rock outcroppings, through hidden gaps between massive rock formations, and alongside the peaceful banks of the Leon River. As you explore, you’ll appreciate the cool shade provided by our mature canopy of red oak, pecan, and cedar elm trees – perfect for comfortable hiking even during warmer months.
As you plan your hiking adventures in Eastland County, we invite you to make Inez Spring Riverfront Park your home base. With its central location near the upper end of Lake Leon and easy access to other regional attractions, you’ll have the perfect combination of on-site trails and nearby explorations to satisfy your hiking spirit.
Tips for Hiking in Eastland County
- Weather Considerations: The North Central Texas climate can be quite hot in summer months, so plan hikes for early morning or evening during June through September. Spring offers comfortable temperatures and potential wildflower viewing.
- Water and Supplies: Most of these locations have limited facilities, so bring plenty of water and any supplies you’ll need. Cell service can be spotty in some areas.
- Appropriate Footwear: While most trails mentioned are rated easy to moderate, proper hiking footwear is recommended, especially at Ringling Lake Park and the Old Zoo Nature Trail where terrain can be uneven.
- Wildlife Awareness: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including potential encounters with snakes during warmer months. Stay on designated trails and be respectful of animal habitats.
- Historical Respect: When exploring historical sites like the Old Zoo, treat structures with respect and leave everything as you found it for others to enjoy.
- Admission Fees: Some parks like Inez Spring charge admission fees, so check ahead and bring cash if needed.
- Seasonal Availability: Certain amenities like swimming pools have seasonal operations (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day), so verify hours before visiting.
Hit the Trails!
Eastland County may not be the first place that comes to mind for Texas hiking adventures, but these six locations offer distinctive outdoor experiences worth exploring. From the eerie abandoned zoo ruins to the riverside trails at Inez Spring and the upcoming state-of-the-art facilities at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, the region provides a variety of trails and natural environments to discover.
What makes hiking in Eastland County special is how it connects you to both nature and history in unexpected ways. Standing among the abandoned zoo cages, you can almost hear the echoes of visitors from a century ago. Walking along the Leon River at Inez Spring, you might spot wildlife that generations of Texans have enjoyed in these same woods. Each step on these trails is a step through time as well as space.
So lace up your hiking boots, fill your water bottle, and head out to explore these hidden gems in Eastland Texas. The trails are waiting, the views are stunning, and adventure is just around the bend. Who knows? Your favorite hiking spot in North Central Texas might be one you haven’t discovered yet!
