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Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Opens March 1, First New Texas Park in 18 Years

Visitors are urged to reserve day passes in advance due to high spring demand.

Overview

  • The 4,871-acre park sits near Strawn between Abilene and the Dallas–Fort Worth area on former ranch land.
  • The soft opening allows day and overnight stays, with TPWD advising caution as final work continues and encouraging advance reservations.
  • More than 16 miles of multiuse trails are open for hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding, and Tucker Lake offers fishing and non-motorized boating.
  • Reports differ on Tucker Lake’s size, with coverage citing either 68 acres or 90 acres.
  • TPWD assembled the property starting in 2008 and purchased it in 2011, completing delayed construction with legislative and foundation funding; a grand opening is planned later this spring alongside a broader plan for at least seven additional parks through 2034.