#hike4 - Dinosaur Valley State Park
Date: January 28, 2017 Time: 11 am
Place: Dinosaur Valley State Park - Glen Rose, TX
Distance: 4.5+/- miles
This hike was, by far, the best hike of the year so far. I know, there have really only been 4, but it was just what I needed at this time. This hike included my aunt and my better half, which definitely didn't hurt as well as the first appearance of Chewy the Dog on a #52hikechallenge hike. The setting is rural, just outside of town and the park is large enough that once on the trails we didn't hear a thing from the main gate.
The trails we chose were the Cedar Ridge trail with parts of the Cedar Brake trail and the Buckeye trail. To begin, you park in a small lot near the campground entrance. From there you make your way down to the river and you must cross. The water was gentle and relatively low, so we made it without any major wet feet. From there, the elevation climbs and you begin hiking the ridge overlooking the river. The trail meanders through junipers and over the rock formations. Along the way you'll find hike-in campsites, which look appealing for a potential camping trip this year!
This hike was far away from the DFW metro area and that was the selling point. The woods was quiet - I could hear the wind through the trees, critters stirring, birds in the bushes, and the ground beneath me feet as I trekked forward. I didn't hear cars driving, horns honking, too many other people in general, or anything else annoying. The land was clean, free of trash, and it smelled fresh. All in all, it was just a wonderful day at peace with nature. I'm attaching some photos and highly recommending this place for anyone that wants a relaxing, yet adequately challenging hike.
Happy hiking!
#Hike2 - Cedar Ridge Preserve
Date: January 14, 2017 Time: 10:20am
Place: Cedar Ridge Preserve
Distance: 2.3 miles
This morning I woke up and the place I had originally intended to hike was flooded. I went back to the Preserve, and it was well worth it. It was 40 degrees, foggy, and misty. My better half and I set out and hiked a new trail and a familiar one. The Preserve was busier today, than expected, and it was nice to see so many fellow hikers.
The trails were wet, the roots were slippery and the air was crisp. We had a nice walk to Cattail Pond and then a brisk walk back to the trail head.
Here’s a link to the trail profiles
Here’s a link to the trail map
A little list. (updated 4 Jan 2017)
This is a working list of locations I'm considering for the 52 Hike Challenge. As it stands, I know there will be weekends that I will not be able to leave too far out of town and thus I'm sure some of the local areas will get reused. I'm hoping to take advantage of holiday weekends and my vacations to Alaska, Minnesota, and Michigan that are already on the calendar for 2017. If I could teleport, this would be so much easier. If anyone in DFW is interested in going to any of these locations, get in touch somehow.
Hiking Ideas for 52 Hikes with Mike – 2017
- Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge - Texas
- Lake Murray State Park – Oklahoma
- Tyler State Park – Texas
- Davey Crockett National Forest – Texas
- Cleburne State Park – Texas
- Dinosaur Valley State Park – Texas
- Cedar Hill State Park – Texas
- Garner State Park – Texas
- Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway – Texas
- Possum Kingdom Lake State Park – Texas
- Caprock Canyons State Park – Texas
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Texas
- Monahans Sandhills State Park – Texas
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park – Texas
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park – New Mexico
- Big Bend National Park – Texas
- Big Bend Ranch State Park – Texas
- Enchanted Rock State Park – Texas
- Garner State Park – Texas
- Lost Maples State Natural Area – Texas
- Padre Island National Seashore – Texas
- Pedernales Falls State Park – Texas
- Angelina National Forest – Texas
- Herman Vogler Conservation Area – Michigan
- Lake Tawakoni State Park – Texas
- Daingerfield State Park – Texas
- Besser Natural Area – Michigan
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Michigan
- McFarland Lake – Minnesota
- Denali State & National Parks – Alaska
- Chugach National Forest – Alaska
- Ozark National Forest – Arkansas
- Eagle Mountain Park - Texas
- Bandelier National Monument - New Mexico
- Guadalupe River State Park - Texas (dog friendly)
- Hill Country Natural Area - Texas (dog friendly)
- Cedar Ridge Preserve - Texas (dog friendly)
- Grapevine Lake - Texas (dog friendly)
- Inks Lake State Park - Texas (dog friendly)
- Franklin Mountains State Park - Texas (dog friendly)
Welcome!
This space is being developed to showcase a year of hiking trips with me, Mike. I am committing to the challenge of hiking at least once per week for an entire year! I am choosing to begin in January so I can prepare and have a clean timeline. In reality, I am starting now by extending my current walking and hiking trips as well as breaking in new shoes! Check back here for weekly updates beginning in January!
Inspiration: 52 Hike Challenge
