I don’t need to explain the global pandemic going on right now - right? Everything - parks, businesses, local trails, schools, etc - have been closed for weeks. Texas decided to slowly allow visitors back in the state parks for day use, at a rate of 25% capacity. It was easy to reserve online, and I saw very few people actually on the trails. Beaches, picnic areas, and parking lots were filled with people not giving a crap about social distancing or small teams. ANYWAY… I enjoyed some new-to-me state parks, quiet trails, and super green forests.
Hike 9: Atlanta State Park
Trail: Hickory Hollow, White Oak Ridge
Date: Saturday, May 9
Distance: 2.89 miles
Distance From Home: 193 miles
Weather: Sunny, warm
Trail Notes: Lush, green, and shaded
This park is a little gem on the northeast corner of the state that I can’t wait to revisit. The trails were dirt, with some roots, and not many rocks - which is a nice change in Texas. Big trees of pine and oak tower over, casting shade and allow for fern and moss to grow below making this place feel a little more “up north” than other Texas State Parks. If you’ve ever been to Tyler State Park, or any of the other ones on the east side, you’ll find it to be similar. I can’t wait for cooler weather so I can bring the tent and hide out for the weekend.
Hike 10: Daingerfield State Park
Trail: Rustling Leaves
Date: Saturday, May 9
Distance: 2.66 miles
Distance From Home: 159 miles
Weather: Sunny, warm
Trail Notes: Gorgeous trail around the lake, wooded/shaded, and fun lake views
Daingerfield is another smaller park packed with gorgeous trees, lake views, and just enough trail distance to get away from the potential crowds. We enjoyed a walk around the lake, which was shaded and very green. The place smelled of pine and that breeze off a lake you sometimes get. This is another park I can’t wait to revisit, and camp a few nights in the fall to see the colors in the trees.
Hike 11: Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Trail: Dogwood, Homestead
Date: Saturday, May 9
Distance: 4 miles
Distance From Home: 135 miles
Weather: Sunny, warm
Trail Notes: Another fun lake with wooded trails and space to spread out
Our third stop of the day was this little gem, a little closer to home, but still far enough east to have nice pines and lush greenery. This park had more towering trees providing much needed shade as the day warmed up and trails with very few people on them thanks to restricted access. On the Homestead trail, look out for an old grave site - pretty cool! Enjoy the shade or the lake and have a good time at this one.
