Caddo Lake State Park

One of the most beautiful spots I've ever seen. A few weeks ago my family and some friends visited. Our plan was to take a ten mile canoe trip, then take the 2.5 mile hike. On the canoe trip we got lost (ended up going 26 miles and having to be rescued by a Jet Ski--I'm sure we looked hilarious....three canoes tied together being pulled by a jet ski). After that we were too tired to do the hiking trail! We're definitely going to go back. If you've never been here, you must go soon. It's really an unforgettable experience. Take the canoe trail, but be sure to turn left when you see the "return to state park" sign (our mistake). Also make time to fish a little (my husband had great luck).

See the following site for park information and trail map.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/caddo_lake/

See this site for more great pictures of the lake.
http://www.caddo-lake.net/

We stayed in the guesthouse (aka mobile home) of Bell's View. The setting is gorgeous....our friends and I had a great time. They do have a really nice hot tub, and the B&B part looked nicer than the guesthouse (which was a little rough around the edges but nice overall). See their website for information and beautiful pictures of the lake.
http://www.bellsview.com/guest_house.htm

Grapevine Lake

There are several trails around Grapevine Lake. My husband and I recently walked the Northshore Trail--about seven miles! My longest single trip so far.

Info about the lake & trails:
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/Grapevine/index.asp

According to the site, hikers are welcome on the biking and equestrian trails, but there are no trails just for hikers. Click on "recreation" and "trails" for trail listings. The Northshore Trail (see above) was a bicycle trail, and had lots and lots of bikes. I think I'll try an equestrian trail next time.

Lake Lavon #1

The hiking trails at Lake Lavon are the closest to my house in Garland. My husband and I have walked these several times!

Info about the trail and lake itself:
http://www.trinitytrailriders.org/index.html
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lavon/index.asp

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! Soon I will be sharing my hiking adventures and photos.

My goal is to hike all the trails in Texas within the next five years! I'll be using the following hiking guides as well as information from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (see my links) to decide where to go:
Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas by Mildred Little
Hiking Texas by Laurence Parent
Hiker's Guide to Texas by Laurence Parent

Let me know if you have any other good Texas hiking resources. I'd love to hear about them.


Below are my hiking partners, Josh(with the bear) and Lola.