Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
| Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway | |
|---|---|
  Location of Lake Mineral Wells State Park in Texas | |
| Location | Palo Pinto County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Mineral Wells, TX |
| Coordinates | 32°51′03″N 98°01′36″W / 32.85083°N 98.02667°WCoordinates: 32°51′03″N 98°01′36″W / 32.85083°N 98.02667°W |
| Area | 3,282.5 acres (13.284 km2) |
| Established | July, 1981 |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway is a state park located in Mineral Wells, Parker County, Texas. It includes Lake Mineral Wells, and is the only state park in Texas which protects part of the Western Cross Timbers and Mineral Wells Trailway. Also within the park is Penitentiary Hollow, a somewhat unusual geological feature which resembles a small canyon. It is a popular site for rock climbing, though the only type of climbing allowed is top-rope. The park also features over 31 miles (50 km) of hiking trails, 25 miles (40 km) of which are open to bicycles and horses. Campsites can be found by the small lake, and up on the higher areas of the park, as well.
History
The area that the park currently protects was, at one time, part of a testing range for Fort Wolters Military Reservation.[1] Currently, if you go to the park, you can still find remnants of old bullets and shells, if you're lucky enough.
Area Attractions
Close by attractions include:
- Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
- Possum Kingdom State Park
- Cleburne State Park
- Clark Gardens
External links
References
- Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. December 10, 2005.
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway from the USGS website. December 10, 2005.