If you read my last post about hiking Inks Lake & Colorado Bend State Parks in Texas, then you’ll understand why it’s good to venture out of Louisiana to do some hiking. State parks are a great option for day hikers, ensuring well-maintained trails, bathroom facilities, & more. Oh, & they’re your best option if you’re trying to avoid hunters.
The following Texas State Parks are in order of closest vicinity to Lake Charles, Louisiana:
3-HR > Huntsville State Park, Central TX
- 18 mi of trails, Easy to Challenging
- $5 fee/person
- CHECK PARK FOR TRAIL CLOSURES…936-295-5644
- No hunting
3.5-HR > Martin Creek Lake State Park, NE TX
- 4 mi of trails, Easy & Moderate
- $3 fee/person
4.5-HR > Daingerfield State Park, NE TX
- 4 mi of trails, Easy & Challenging
- $4 fee/person
4.5-HR > Tyler State Park, NE TX
- 13 mi of trails, Easy to Challenging
- $6 fee/person
5.5-HR > Pedernales Falls State Park, Central TX
- 25 mi of trails, most are Moderate to Challenging
- $6 fee/person
5.5-HR > Inks Lake State Park, Central TX
- 7 mi of trails
- $6 fee/person; pay in office to get permit
- Camping & RV
- Hunting – Check website for closures
6-HR > Colorado Bend State Park, Central TX
- 30 mi of trails
- Lodging – AirBnB or Best Western Plus in Lampasas; another option is Peach House B&B
- $5 fee/person; self-pay for permit
- Open to hikers from Fri, 2p thru Tues, 8p (closed other days for permitted hiking)
6.5-HR > Lost Maples State Natural Area, W TX
- 13 mi of trails
- $6 fee/person
- Go in the Fall to see the Maple trees change color
8-HR > San Angelo State Park, W TX
- 25 mi of trails, Easy to Challenging
- $4 fee/person
- Hunting – Closed only 2 days in April
- Park has bison and longhorns
10-HR > Caprock Canyons State Park, N TX
- 25 mi of trails, Easy to Very Challenging
- $4 fee/person
- Bison roam parts of park
- Park also offers ‘Trailway’ which is a rails to trail hike of 60 miles total
11-HR > Palo Duro Canyon State Park, N TX
- 35 mi of trails, Easy to Challenging
- $5 fee/person
- Limited use cabins available (Microwave, Coffee Pot, Toilet, Shower, Heat/AC, Fireplace, Small Fridge, Qn Bed)
