Palo Pinto Mountains State Park

Scheduled to open in 2024 as the state's first new park since 2001.

Upon completion, the park will have 59 campsites, 10 equestrian sites, 12 primitive sites, 25 water and electric sites, and 12 walk-in primitive sites that require a two-mile hike to reach. Many of these sites are on a hilltop with scenic overlooks at every turn.

NestledwithintherockyhillssurroundingStrawn,Texas,lies PaloPintoMountainsStatePark,scheduledtoopenin2024 asthestate’sfirstnewparksince2001.

When completed, it will be the second state park in Palo PintoCounty The4,871-acreparcelthatcomprisesthepark had been used to raise cattle, but Texas Parks and Wildlife was able to acquire the land using funds from the sale of EagleMountainLakeStatePark.

Thoughtheregionthattheparkresideswithiniscolloquially referredtoasthe“northernHillCountry,”itmoreaccurately is called the West Cross Timbers region This area is characterized by dense post oak woodlands amidst wide expansesofwavygrasslands

The Palo Pinto Mountains are one of 10 mountain ranges within the state, and though the word “mountain” typically evokes images of snow-capped peaks and pine trees, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is nonetheless every bit as stunning Here, groves of oak and juniper sprout from the steep sandstone slopes, while the towering hilltops offer an unparalleled view of the surrounding creeks and valleys, while Tucker Lake, a 90-acre impoundment of Russel Creek, is regularly stocked with fish from Possum Kingdom fish hatchery

Native wildlife also abounds within the park In addition to the ever-present white-tailed deer, the park hosts a thriving Rio Grande wild turkey population Park staffers also have reported seeing porcupines from time to time, and they’ve evenspottedtheelusivering-tailedcat

James Adams, a native of Mineral Wells, is the park’s superintendent He drew inspiration to become a park ranger from his father-in-law, who was the former superintendent of Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway. Adams’ 13-year career with Texas Parks and Wildlife started at nearby Cedar Hill State Park in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex before also including stints in parks across the state. Adams said some of his favorites along the way have includedCooperLakeStateParkandEnchantedRockState NaturalArea.

Through his tenure with state parks, he became a park policeofficer,andfiveyearsagohewastappedtotakethe reinsofPaloPintoMountains

“ThefirstearthwasturnedinJanuary2021,”Adamssaid

Since then, he and his team have worked tirelessly to developaparkwidelyconsideredtobeacrownjewelinthe state park system The people of Strawn are certainly welcoming of the new project; in fact, the community even donated200acresoflandtotheproject

“I haven’t met one person that isn’t excited to see it happen”Adamssaid “I’veheardpeoplesaythattheydon’t think it’s ever going to be open, since the state has had it since2011,butitwill”

A new state park will no doubt create an influx of tourism for Strawn and the surrounding areas With two state parks, a third on its border and several more just a stone’s throw away, Palo Pinto County is cementing its reputation as one oftheLoneStarState’spremiereoutdoordestinations

Building a new state park from scratch takes time, though, and the process is not without its challenges Regular construction delays were compounded by the knock-on effects of rising inflation, but construction crews are installing utility lines, clearing roads and constructing a massiveculverttodrainthesteephillsidesthatcomprisethe park

Upon completion, the park will have 59 campsites, 10 equestrian sites, 12 primitive sites, 25 water and electric sites, and 12 walk-in primitive sites that require a two-mile hike to reach Many of these sites are on a hilltop with scenicoverlooksateveryturn.

Along with breathtaking scenery and local flora and fauna, the park boasts a vibrant local history and an impressive arrayofculturalartifacts.

“The archaeological survey turned up a Paleo point (a projectile made by Paleoindians),” Adams said “That’s about8,000yearsold.”

There’s also a massive stone oven built by railroad workers in the 1880s It’s one of two that still exist in the state, and it’s the only one that remains in its original geographical context Tucker Lake itself, originally called Strawn Lake, wasbuiltbythePublicWorksAdministrationin1937tosupply watertothecommunityofStrawn

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, with its winding creeks, rugged terrain and abundant wildlife, will no doubt showcase the natural splendor of the best Texas has to offer. End of story.