State Parks Visited since January
Fort Parker State Park
Atlanta State Park
Daingerfield State Park
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Fort Parker State Park
I was looking through parks one afternoon, planning for the weekend, when I stumbled across Fort Parker. I wanted to stick within a couple hours of DFW and maybe knock two out in one day. When I pulled up the trail map I saw a paddling trail that went right across the lake and up the Navasota River which connects Fort Parker Lake and Lake Mexia. I loaded up the kayak and headed down on a Saturday morning. I had no idea how long it would take to kayak where I wanted to, but I gave myself the afternoon. I paddled about 4-5 miles overall, not quite going all the way up to Lake Mexia. I sat on the still river, enjoying the quiet and the birds. It felt so good to relax and float with nothing really going on besides nature. The park itself looked fine, had a neat lakeside campground and a nature center. The wind was at my back across the lake to the river, but heading to car was another story of getting wet and paddling hard through the waves. I would definitely recommend this place if you want a nice little paddle outside the city.
Highlights
Most main places are lakeside, which is nice
Great paddling river without a current for a peaceful time
Atlanta State Park
This park is a little gem on the northeast corner of the state that I can’t wait to revisit. The trails were dirt, with some roots, and not many rocks - which is a nice change in Texas. Big trees of pine and oak tower over, casting shade and allow for fern and moss to grow below making this place feel a little more “up north” than other Texas State Parks. If you’ve ever been to Tyler State Park, or any of the other ones on the east side, you’ll find it to be similar. I can’t wait for cooler weather so I can bring the tent and hide out for the weekend.
Highlights
Shaded paths with varying foliage
Lake views or forest walks, either way it’s a lot of peace and quiet
Daingerfield State Park
Daingerfield is another smaller park packed with gorgeous trees, lake views, and just enough trail distance to get away from the potential crowds. We enjoyed a walk around the lake, which was shaded and very green. The place smelled of pine and that breeze off a lake you sometimes get. This is another park I can’t wait to revisit, and camp a few nights in the fall to see the colors in the trees.
Highlights
Trails are shaded and gorgeous
Varying terrain and scenery offers great retreat from the cities
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
This park had more towering trees providing much needed shade as the day warmed up and trails with very few people on them thanks to restricted access. On the Homestead trail, look out for an old grave site - pretty cool! Enjoy the shade or the lake and have a good time at this one.
Highlights
Lovely wooded trails with tall pines and towering oaks
Very active lake area - great for boats
