Suggested Trails Texas / South OK

Posted by: Aussie Campr

Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/13/17 10:36 AM

Hi everyone,
I am wanting to take my son on a overnight backpack camping trip (We've done a heap of car camping trips) and was wondering if anyone could suggest some good trails / parks / forests I should look at.

We are based in Dallas and would look to do a 2 night hike trip.

I am looking at doing the trip in December to make it a little more adventurous, so a fire at night would be needed.

Any suggestions from anyone's past travels / trips ?

Cheers
Brendon
Posted by: BZH

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/13/17 01:14 PM

I've never hiked there, but I've read trip reports from Big Bend NP and the place looks pretty neat.
Posted by: Aussie Campr

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/14/17 09:45 AM

Yeah we've done Big Bend - Stunning, it is a must do.

I was looking for something around Dallas/ Austin or Southern OK ( Broken Bow maybe ? )

Cheers
B
Posted by: BZH

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/14/17 11:28 AM

There used to be a couple people from Texas on here, I am hoping they chime in soon. Sorry I couldn't be much help.
Posted by: toddfw2003

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/15/17 10:41 PM

Hit the lonestar trail or 4 c trail south of you
Posted by: 41253

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/16/17 04:27 PM

Don't think Texas, think distance. Most or all of 4 other states are closer to Dallas than Big Bend is (as you know).

I was disapointed with Davey Crocket NF, it's pretty crowded and it seems as though you're never out of hearing range of a dirt road with lots of pickup truck traffic. Maybe I just caught it at a bad time.

From Dallas you're not much more than 2 or 3 hours from Talimena SP in OK. You can park there, hike and camp on the Ouachita Trail, and use their shower before driving home. I really like a loop that includes Military Road, a well-built trail with interesting history.

Broken Bow is smaller but a little closer, we enjoyed a quick trip there a few years back.

Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/17/17 12:15 PM

Davy Crockett is certainly convenient for those quick trips when you've got cabin fever and just have to get out there, but it's fairly flat and heavily wooded, so there's not much of a view. On top of that, the USFS recommends not to drink the water, even filtered. Too much ranch runoff I guess. There are, however, several places to cache water.

I haven't done anything overnight in OK, but I really like Caney Creek Wilderness in SE AR. Anywhere along the Ouachita Trail or the Albert Pike area would probably serve you well, I just can't vouch for them personally as I haven't been. I keep meaning to get to Eagle Rock Loop, which passes through Albert Pike, but something comes up every year.

If you want something closer to home, Dinosaur Valley SP is beautiful and has nice trails. I think it's even got water this year smile. I haven't done an overnight there either, and I'm not sure how long the back trails are, but you could always take them slow and enjoy the view more to make it a 2 night trip. Stop and "smell the roses" often.

Lost Maples is sort of in the same category - convenient (though not as close as DVSP), gorgeous, somewhat small. It's one of my favorite places for day hiking or just hanging out.

And finally, if you want to go out west a ways, I hear Guadalupe Mountains National Park (GUMO) is amazing. Only thing there is you have to pack all your water. It's scarce if present at all, so they ask you to leave it for wildlife, and there's nowhere to cache it.
Posted by: Bill S.

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/18/17 08:05 PM

Big Bend is awesome, but a long way and this time of year is usually pretty crowded. If you like canyons there is Palo Duro canyon by Amarillo or Caprock Canyons which may be a little closer. Both very nice. Area's around San Antonio are plenty and will be closer and warmer. Lost Maples would be very nice and colorful this time of year. Good hiking
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/20/17 06:01 PM

I don't know much about Texas, just that I flew over it once (Denver-Houston) and it took hours.

I was impressed by this trip report from "P Mags" that was on his blog last winter. It may be too far from you, but it certainly has scenery!
Palo Duro Canyon

I just realized after posting that this area has already been suggested, but the report I linked to has lots of beautiful photos!
Posted by: Aussie Campr

Re: Suggested Trails Texas / South OK - 11/22/17 03:45 PM

Thanks guys, I'll look into these