Are you looking for kid-friendly fall hikes in Texas to check out with your family? This week’s blog post is written by Explorer Family @strongerthanfire. Christina Sizemore (Chris) resides in her hometown of Houston, Texas with her husband Bill, daughter Issa, and black lab Layla. Chris grew up camping and paddling, and when her daughter turned 2, they started camping and exploring together as a family. Here are 5 kid-friendly fall hikes in Texas that they recommend.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover kid-friendly fall hikes in Texas for an unforgettable camping trip.
- Explore the stunning Palo Duro Canyon State Park and hike the Lighthouse Trail for breathtaking views.
- Experience the beauty of fall foliage at Lost Maples State Natural Area on the East Trail to Maple Trail loop.
- Visit Caprock Canyon State Park and enjoy the Eagle Point Trail, home to wild Bison.
- Explore the ancient world on the Paluxy River Trail in Dinosaur Valley State Park, known for its dinosaur footprints.
- Embark on a walking cave tour at Longhorn Cavern State Park for a unique underground experience.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Lighthouse Trail
The Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a 2.8-mile trail with a 660′ elevation gain. It offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the iconic Lighthouse rock formation.
The trail is labeled as moderate, with the majority of it being wide and sandy. However, the ascent to the Lighthouse can be challenging, with some scrambling required. It’s important to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as there is little shade on the trail.
An early start is recommended to avoid the heat and crowds. Entry to the park requires a fee of $8 per person 13 years and older.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, East Trail to Maple Trail to East Trail to East/West Trail
The East Trail to Maple Trail to East Trail to East/West Trail loop in Lost Maples State Natural Area is a 4.8-mile trail with a 543′ elevation gain. This trail offers a challenging and rewarding hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Highlights:
- Bigtooth Maples: This trail is known for its stunning fall foliage, showcasing the vibrant colors of the protected Bigtooth Maples. Hikers can enjoy a picturesque and breathtaking display of nature’s beauty.
- Scenic Views: Along the trail, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Monkey Rock, the Grotto, and the Pond. These natural landmarks provide a captivating backdrop for memorable hiking experiences.
Trail Difficulty:
The East Trail to Maple Trail to East Trail to East/West Trail loop is labeled as a difficult trail. It features steep sections that require careful navigation. It’s important to take breaks, especially for younger hikers, to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Best Time to Visit:
Hikers planning to explore this trail should check the Fall Foliage Color Report on the park’s website. The report provides valuable information about the optimal time to witness the vibrant fall colors along the trail.
Entry Fee:
To access Lost Maples State Natural Area, a fee of $6 per person aged 13 years and older is required. This fee contributes to the preservation and maintenance of the park for future generations to enjoy.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you hike the East Trail to Maple Trail to East Trail to East/West Trail loop in Lost Maples State Natural Area. Witness the awe-inspiring fall foliage and take in the breathtaking views along this challenging yet rewarding hiking trail.
Caprock Canyon State Park, Eagle Point Trail
The Eagle Point Trail in Caprock Canyon State Park is a 2-mile trail with a 290′ elevation gain. This trail offers a unique experience of transitioning from plains to canyons, with views of ridges, hoodoos, and ledges carved by erosion. It is home to over 150 wild Bison and the Prairie Dog Town. The trail is suitable for kids and also provides the opportunity to participate in the park’s prairie restoration project by taking a picture in a specific spot and sharing it on social media.
It’s important to start early to avoid the heat, read the trail plaques to learn about the land’s history, and give Bison at least 50 yards of distance. Entry to the park requires a fee of $5 per person 13 years and older.
Trail Highlights:
- Transition from plains to canyons
- Ridges, hoodoos, and ledges
- Over 150 wild Bison
- Prairie Dog Town
- Opportunity to participate in the prairie restoration project
Trail Information:
| Trail Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Dificulty Level | Entrance Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Point Trail | 2 miles | 290′ | Moderate | $5 per person 13 years and older |
Dinosaur Valley State Park, Paluxy River Trail
The Paluxy River Trail in Dinosaur Valley State Park is a 1.9-mile trail with a 159′ elevation gain. This trail is famous for its dinosaur footprints, where visitors can see Sauroposeidon proteles and Acrocanthosaurus tracks. The trail also features the Blue Hole swimming hole and the Ballroom Track site with hundreds of tracks. It’s important to start early, check track visibility on the park’s website, and be cautious of local weather reports as the area is prone to flash flooding. Entry to the park requires a fee of $7 per person 13 years and older.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Highlights:
- 1.9-mile trail with dinosaur footprints
- Sauroposeidon proteles and Acrocanthosaurus tracks
- Blue Hole swimming hole
- Ballroom Track site with hundreds of tracks
- Check track visibility and local weather reports
- Fee: $7 per person 13 years and older
The Paluxy River Trail in Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a unique opportunity for families to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs. With its dinosaur footprints and fascinating natural features, this trail provides an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults.
| Trail | Length | Elevation Gain | Highlights | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paluxy River Trail | 1.9 miles | 159′ | Dinosaur footprints, Blue Hole swimming hole, Ballroom Track site | $7 per person 13 years and older |
Longhorn Cavern State Park, Walking Cave Tour
Longhorn Cavern State Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique experience. One of the highlights of the park is the Walking Cave Tour, which takes visitors on a fascinating journey through a developed cave. Created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this 1.1-mile round trip tour offers a glimpse into the fascinating geological wonders of the cavern.
The cave’s constant temperature of 68 degrees makes it a comfortable adventure regardless of the season. However, it’s important to dress appropriately, as the temperature can feel slightly chilly to some. The tour also includes a lights-out section, adding an element of excitement and mystery. While this can be thrilling for many, younger visitors might find it a bit scary.
To ensure a seamless experience, it’s recommended to book the tour in advance by selecting a date and time online. Entry to the park is free, allowing you to enjoy the other attractions it offers. However, please note that there is a fee for the cave walking tour, which is well worth the cost for the incredible experience you’ll have exploring Longhorn Cavern State Park.
