Hike 27 - Lake Brownwood State Park

September 13, 2020

I set out on my quest to see all of the State Parks in Texas and knocked another one off the list. I hiked the Texas Oak, Nopales Ridge, and Council Bluff trails. It was a gorgeous morning, in the 60s, and sunny. The hikes started out good, but the Texas Oak trail was a little hard to follow at one point. The Nopales Ridge trail was sunny, but mostly boring. I spruced up my day with a trail beer I had stashed in my pack and enjoyed the final mile or two. My hike was about 5.5 miles, and that was most of the trails available in the park. It was a pleasant lake park, like the rest, with some shade but not much. Enjoy some photos!

Hikes 12-20 (I'm bad at this)

I’ve hiked 20 times in 2020… woah, that’s cool? The hikes have been documented on socials, but not here. I’m going to keep it brief, but share some of my favorite photos. I’m not quite on track for 2020, but I feel like I’ll still make my mark if I keep exploring the rest of the year. I hope you’re able to get out - in some way or another - during this weird and wild year. Happy hiking!

Hike 12: Possum Kingdom State Park, 2.14 miles, sunny and okay

The trails were short, but offered great views. It’s a great little park for camping, but will not as a hiking destination.

Hike 13: Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway, 12.1 miles, sunny and hot

There is a historical fort, a long path from one section of the park to the other, and a lake with a breeze eventually. There isn’t much for shade, but the trail was nice.

Hike 14: Caddo Lake State Park, 2.05 miles, gorgeous trees and bayou

If you enjoy a bayou with cypress trees and a shaded trail through big trees, this place is for you! The trails were short, but went through the gorgeous forest.

Hike 15: Martin Creek Lake State Park, 4.2 miles, sunny and breezy

Family friendly is the best way to describe this place. The trails are fun, with plenty of shade and some good views of the lake. The trails go through the woods and wind throughout the park.

Hike 16: Lincoln National Forest, 4.7 miles, sunny with views of the weather moving in

Hiked a forest service trail up a hill, about 1000 feet with some friends. This area has plenty of places to explore and many rocks to be discovered.

Hike 17: Cleburne State Park, 3.86 miles, hot and sunny

I went with some friends for a hike and a swim. We did some trails that I’ve done before, and had some great views along the spillway.

Hike 18 : Mother Neff State Park, 2.9 miles, hot and steamy

Mini cave, CCC towers, and other foresty features are highlights along this trail. Be sure to go up the lookout tower and get a view of the treetops?

Hike 19: Meridian State Park, 2.87 miles, hot and steamy

The trails around the lake and through the forest have a lot to offer as far as views and shaded walking. They are well marked and have great places for little picnics. Watch out for spiders!

Hike 20: Lake Whitney State Park, 2.2 miles, HOT and sunny

These trails, the only two in the park, are kind of like Possum Kingdom… people don’t go here for the trails. One is through the woods, ish, and the other is in the wide open. The Towash Forest trail does lead to a semi-private beach area that looked far enough removed for more relaxed swimming.