Well, Go Outside
Mineral Wells will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. From hiking, biking, and camping, to rock climbing, fly-fishing, and hunting, Palo Pinto County is an outdoorsman's paradise.
Three State Parks, One Adventure HQ.
Palo Pinto County is the only county in Texas that can say it: three state parks, one address. Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway, Possum Kingdom State Park, and the brand-new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park all call this ground home — more protected wild than anywhere else in the state, and all of it minutes from where you're standing.
Come for the day or stay a while. Pitch a tent, glamp under the stars, or sleep somewhere with room service — The Crazy Water Hotel, Magpie Inn, and Rest Yourself River Ranch all put you within striking distance of the trailheads, the water, and the quiet.
Hiking and Biking
From easy, crushed-rock trails to challenging, gravity-defying climbs and everything in between, there are lots of options for hiking and biking. Check out our Mineral Wells hiking and biking page.
ROCK CLIMBING
There are very few natural places for rock climbing in North Texas and Mineral Wells has one with some incredible views. Enjoy top-roping and rappelling along with some sport-bolted routes from the 20-40’ sandstone walls.
The Brazos runs through it
Tell The Reader More
The Brazos threads along the edge of the county — reason enough to give it a page of its own, which is exactly what it gets (say hello over here). But the river's just one thread in a bigger current. Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Mineral Wells, and the trails and coves built around them mean paddling, fishing, and floating aren't a special occasion here — they're a Tuesday afternoon.CANOEING, KAYAKING, PADDLE BOATING
WATER SKIING, JET SKIING, HYDRAFLYING, SAILING, BOATING, TUBING
If you need a little more action in your water-play, then these might be more your speed. And you’re probably asking, “What in the world is hydraflying?” Well…I’m not sure I can adequately describe it with words, so here’s a photo.
Looking to rent a water toy? Here’s a list of places to check out.
Air tours
This is for the ultimate thrill junkie. Get a bird’s-eye-view of Possum Kingdom Lake and the Brazos River with an air tour that will certainly satisfy your need for adventure.
After this road trip, you’ll have lots of unforgettable memories, Instagram-worthy photos, and an ache to start planning your next trip back. And also…you’ll probably need a couple of days to recover.
Don’t forget to grab your printable Adventure Weekend Planner & Map.
Tent Camping
Ready to walk/sleep on the wild side? There’s nothing better than campfire coffee, toasted marshmallows, and the sounds of wildlife all around you. You have lots of camping options to choose from so pack up that tent and plan your next adventure in Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park Hiking Trail
Lake Mineral Wells State Park is an adventure lover’s dream. They offer everything from hiking and biking to camping, canoeing and rock climbing. Choose trails that are .6 miles to 2.3 miles, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty, and offer waterfront views, backcountry views, and wildlife encounters. Check out the trail map to plan your hike.
Texas Frontier Trails Heritage Park
Texas Frontier Trails Heritage Park has gone by other names over the years. It was first built as Mineral Wells State Park and for many years, it was known as Pollard Park. Texas Frontier Trails has done a lot of work to make this once-abandoned park a great place for outdoor concerts and events as well as hiking. They forged several hiking trails into the hills and added some great historic interpretive panels along the path.
HIDDEN GEM: Bridal Pathway Bridge- Just beyond the hiking trails stands a beautiful rock bridge that spans over Pollard Creek. It’s the perfect spot to take in the peaceful sounds of nature. Trickling creek, rustling leaves of the trees, songbirds serenading, and of course, the mating call of the cicadas.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park Hiking Trail
Lake Mineral Wells State Park is an adventure lover’s dream. They offer everything from hiking and biking to camping, canoeing and rock climbing. Choose trails that are .6 miles to 2.3 miles, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty, and offer waterfront views, backcountry views, and wildlife encounters. Check out the trail map to plan your hike.
Lake Mineral Wells Trailway
Lake Mineral Wells Trailway runs along the old historic Weatherford, Mineral Wells & Northwestern Railroad offering 20 miles of hike, bike, and equestrian trails exploring the sites of the Western Cross Timbers from Mineral Wells to Weatherford. Check out the trail map to plan your hike.
West City Park
HIDDEN GEM: West City Park Hiking Trails– West City Park is the largest city park in Mineral Wells. There, you’ll find playscapes, a swimming pool, and ball fields. But tucked away on the west side of the park is a humble little trailhead leading to hilltop hiking trails. It’s a bit of a climb, but once you’re there, you’ll be treated to some incredible views of Mineral Wells.
POSSUM KINGDOM LAKE
Possum Kingdom Hike & Bike Trails
With more than 15 miles of trails winding through the hills that surround Possum Kingdom Lake, you could spend a whole weekend taking in the beautiful views and wildlife that make PK a treasure all on its own. Click here for all the Possum Kingdom trail information.
Possum Kingdom Lake State Park offers just under 2.5 miles of trails from moderate to challenging in difficulty. Choose from scenic woodland and prairie trails, or opt for the trail that treats you to an overlook of the lake. Click here for all the Possum Kingdom Lake information.