Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas offers a unique opportunity for state park touring enthusiasts to explore trails where dinosaurs once roamed. From the Limestone Ledge Trail to the Overlook Trail, the park boasts a diverse range of hiking experiences that cater to visitors of all skill levels.
Limestone Ledge Trail: Discover Dinosaur Tracks
The Limestone Ledge Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that takes visitors along the Paluxy River and through a forested area. The highlight of this trail is the Main Track Site, where the first sauropod dinosaur track was discovered. With a 4.6-star rating from 409 reviews on AllTrails.com, this trail is a favorite among visitors.
Paluxy River Trail: The Longest Walking Trail
The Paluxy River Trail is the longest walking trail in the park, stretching 6.6 km (4.1 miles) long. This relatively flat and easy trail follows the Paluxy River, offering many opportunities to discover dinosaur tracks along the way.
Cedar Brake Outer Loop: Scenic Overlook of Main Track Site
The Cedar Brake Outer Loop is a 3.9 km (2.4 miles) long trail that leads to a vantage point overlooking the Main Track Site. The trail also features a memorial to the late Park Director, Billy Paul Baker, and a stone bench to rest and enjoy the view.
Denio and Cedar Creek Trail Loop: Winding Trail with Wildlife
The Denio and Cedar Creek Trail Loop is a 3.9 km (2.4 miles) long winding trail that travels next to Denio Creek. This relatively easy trail with a couple of rolling hills offers opportunities to spot a variety of birds and wildlife.
Black-Capped Vireo Trail: Shrubby Woodlands and Nesting Birds
The Black-Capped Vireo Trail is a 2.7 mi (4.3 km) long moderate hike that takes visitors through shrubby woodlands where black-capped vireos nest.
Denio Trail: Spotting Endangered Golden-Cheeked Warblers
The Denio Trail is a 1.6 mi (2.6 km) long moderate hike that follows Denio Creek and offers opportunities to spot endangered golden-cheeked warblers.
Buckeye Trail: Small Waterfalls and Creek Exploration
The Buckeye Trail is a 1.3 mi (2.1 km) long moderate hike that follows Buckeye Creek and offers opportunities to see small waterfalls.
Rocky Ridge Trail: Scenic Overlooks of Paluxy River Valley
The Rocky Ridge Trail is a 1.0 mi (1.6 km) long moderate hike that offers scenic overlooks of the Paluxy River Valley.
Oak Springs Trail: Exploring Oak Woodlands and Natural Springs
The Oak Springs Trail is a 0.3 mi (0.5 km) long easy hike that takes visitors through oak woodlands and offers opportunities to see natural, bubbling springs.
Overlook Trail: Challenging Hike with Panoramic Views
The Overlook Trail is a 0.5 mi (0.8 km) long challenging hike that offers a view of the Paluxy River Valley from the overlook.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, and the cost for adult day use is $7, with children 12 years and under free. For more information, visit the park’s website or explore the trails on AllTrails.com.
References:
– Dinosaur Valley State Park Trails Info
– AllTrails.com – Dinosaur Valley State Park
– Dinosaur Valley State Park Map
– Gaia GPS – Dinosaur Valley State Park Hikes