TEXAS — Texans can take a peek behind the peaks of the yet-to-open Palo Pinto Mountains State Park with guided hikes on New Year’s Day.
The new 4,871-acre park near Strawn, which sits about 75 miles west of Dallas-Fort Worth, previously served as ranch land. The area is still under construction and doesn’t have a confirmed 2026 opening date, making the Jan. 1 hike a one-day event only.
The park’s Facebook page announced the special guided hike on Monday, and on Wednesday, admin updated the post to report that all-day passes and hiking spots were sold out. In response, the park opened self-guided hikes to those with a day pass who couldn’t get a guided tour.
When the park opens sometime next year, it will boast “an extensive network of multiuse trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders,” according to the Texas Parks & Wildlife website. Tucker Lake will allow for swimming, fishing and boating — as long as the boat is not motor-powered.
Campers may use RVs, tents or primitive camping methods.