One weekend amongst the fresh air, regal landscapes, and ambient serenity of Texas’ outdoors is sure to wake you from the drab stupor of 9-5 city life. And there’s nowhere in Texas more committed to rejuvenating the spirit through nature than Mineral Wells. This small town puts you within striking distance of four state parks, a 20-mile rail trail, the only natural rock climbing in North Texas, and a protected stretch of the Brazos River.
Whether you’re paddling, pedaling, or scrambling up sandstone, Mineral Wells makes for a perfect home base. Here’s how to plan your trip.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Just four miles east of downtown Mineral Wells, Lake Mineral Wells State Park is home to a pristine 640-acre lake for boating, swimming, fishing, and paddling. No kayak or paddle board? No problem! A lakeside rental shop has you covered.
As you explore the park’s hiking and biking trails — nearly 14 miles’ worth — you’ll discover the wildlife that call the park home and the unique ecosystem where they thrive. Hike along the lake’s shoreline to spot birds and soak in the serenity, or bike through the ancient Western Cross Timbers — an ecosystem that demarcates the Eastern U.S.’s great deciduous forests and the Western U.S.’s expansive prairies.
Undoubtedly, the star of the park is Penitentiary Hollow — named for cattle rustlers who hid here to avoid going to the slammer. Hikers can squeeze through the slot canyon’s narrow passageways to explore its nooks and crannies. But it’s not just an interesting hike; it’s a climbers’ mecca and the only natural rock-climbing location in North Texas. With over 70 routes ascending the slot canyon’s 20 to 40-foot sandstone walls, you’ll have plenty of options for climbing and rappelling.
Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway
The 20-mile Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway links Mineral Wells to Weatherford and is suitable for hikers and cyclists of all ages and abilities. The flat trail lies on a reclaimed railroad bed. As you travel its length, through idyllic farmland, alongside patches of bluebonnets, and over 16 bridges, you’ll retrace the route of a bygone railroad that brought health seekers to Mineral Wells and freighted up to 3 million bottles of mineral water each year.
Along with a spur into Lake Mineral Wells State Park, the trailway passes the stunning Clark Gardens Botanical Park, which opens for the spring season every March. The park features 86 trees grown from seeds or started from famous trees including a live oak from the Alamo and a weeping willow from Napoleon’s grave.
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
For the first time in 25 years, a brand-new Texas state park is opening soon! Palo Pinto Mountains State Park promises to be an unforgettable destination for adventurers. Paddlers will enjoy the quiet, motorboat-free Tucker Lake, while anglers can test their skills with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white crappies.
You’ll find the trails at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park take full advantage of the rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and amazing vistas. Open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, the trails circle the lake’s wooded shorelines, pass through lush, wildflower-laden prairies, and lead to amazing views of Tucker Lake and the North Texas Hill Country.
Possum Kingdom State Park
Possum Kingdom State Park includes the rugged, limestone canyons of the Palo Pinto Mountains and abuts the 17,000-acre Possum Kingdom Lake. The lake’s clear blue water naturally invites boaters, skiers, tubers, and paddlers—in other words, whatever floats your proverbial or literal boat. For scuba divers and snorkelers, several boat wrecks, a submerged dump truck, and sheer underwater cliffs are fascinating underwater attractions.
For those who prefer to stay on terra firma, hiking and biking trails explore the most scenic parts of the park. Check out the easy Lakeview Loop that travels along the shore, through forests, and across prairies where bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush bloom beginning in March. If you’re up for more of a scramble, hike the Chaparral Ridge Loop Trail to the top of the bluffs overlooking the lake.
West of the park, Possum Kingdom Bike Trail further explores the canyons of the Brazos River Valley. Several looped trails range from easy to moderate for hikers and mountain bikers. With the more challenging routes, you’ll be rewarded with incredible vistas of the lake.
John Graves Scenic Riverway
Speaking of scenic spots, a particularly beautiful stretch of the Brazos River runs from Possum Kingdom Lake, past dramatic cliffs that jut straight out of the water, and beneath Highway 16’s historic arched stone bridge. This is where John Graves launched his canoe with “Passenger” (his six-month-old dachshund puppy named Watty) and paddled the Brazos. His three-week journey inspired his classic book, Goodbye to a River.
Now named the John Graves Scenic Riverway, this stunning section of the river is protected. Whether you kayak, canoe, or paddleboard this area, you’ll see that it’s a beauty and will remain so for many future generations.
Fly fishermen will be equally charmed by the river’s largemouth and white bass, channel catfish, and very feisty striped bass. Local guides can take the guesswork out of where the fish are biting, while the local Slim Pickins Outfitters, the first black-owned outfitter in Texas, has all the gear you need—and more that you’ll want!
Every Day’s an Adventure in Mineral Wells
With so many options for outdoor recreation, Mineral Wells makes for the perfect weekend base camp, just not in the literal sense. As Dave Barry once said, “Camping is nature’s way to promote the motel business.” With that in mind, after a day on the trail or miles on the bicycle, treat yourself to the finer things in life: a Crazy Water or craft brew, a scrumptious meal, and a comfy bed in one of Mineral Wells’ cozy hotels.
And while you’re at it, plan to take it easy for at least part of your stay. Whether you call it a reward or a recovery day, Mineral Wells has plenty of options. Perhaps a soak in the rejuvenating mineral water is in order? They don’t call Mineral Wells the Wellness Capital of Texas for nothing!
Whatever you do, don’t put your adventures on hold. This spring, come experience the great outdoors in Mineral Wells.
