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Prairies & Lakes Region
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
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Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway © davidblackimages / CC BY-ND 2.0
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway © runarut / CC BY 2.0
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway © runarut / CC BY 2.0
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway © runarut / CC BY 2.0
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway © davidblackimages / CC BY-ND 2.0
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LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK AND TRAILWAY
LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK AND TRAILWAY
100 Park Road 71
Mineral Wells, Texas   76067
(lat:32.8369 lon:-98.0311) map location

Phone: 940-328-1171
Lake Mineral Wells State Park Trailway is a state park located in Mineral Wells, Parker County, Texas. It includes Lake Mineral Wells, and is the only state park in Texas which protects part of the Western Cross Timbers and Mineral Wells Trailway.

Nature of the Area
Hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders of all ages and abilities can enjoy the Trailway. Because it is a reclaimed railroad bed, it has flat grades and gentle curves.

From northwest of Weatherford in central Parker County, the Trailway travels 20 miles west to the downtown district of Mineral Wells in eastern Palo Pinto County. It connects to Lake Mineral Wells State Park, where you can camp and picnic.

The Trailway is 20 miles long and 10 feet wide. Two miles of surface from the downtown Mineral Wells trailhead toward the east are asphalt. Finely crushed and screened limestone tops the remaining 18 miles.

The 16 bridges have decks and rails for safety. The Trailway's 500-foot signature bridge allows safe travel over U.S. Highway 180. The bridge, adorned with 104 Lone Stars, meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
History of the Area
Lake Mineral Wells State Park sits along Rock Creek, a large tributary of the Brazos River. This area was an early home to several Native American tribes, including the Comanche.

Settlers began arriving in the early 1850s, and intermittent warfare occurred until the late 1870s. Rugged terrain and lush native grasses attracted many early-day ranchers to this area, including Charles Goodnight, Oliver Loving and C. C. Slaughter, who ran large herds of Longhorn cattle. Ranching continues to be an economic mainstay of this area.

In 1877, James Alvis Lynch settled in what is now Mineral Wells. In 1880, he drilled a well on his land. Mrs. Lynch suffered from rheumatism, but after drinking the water from the well, her rheumatism disappeared. The well water seemed to have curative powers.

Thus began Mineral Wells' tumultuous affair with water. The city quickly became a world-renowned health resort. The supposed healing effects of the local well water brought people from all walks of life to bathe and take the cure.

In 1975, after the closure of Fort Wolters, the city of Mineral Wells and Fort Wolters donated the lake and surrounding acreage to Texas Parks and Wildlife. The 3,282.5-acre park opened on July 1, 1981.
Swimming
1. Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers a designated swimming area in the lake.
2. No lifeguards are on duty, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is not allowed near boat ramps for safety reasons.
4. The park provides life jackets loaner stations for visitors' use while swimming or boating.
5. Canoes and paddleboards can be rented to enjoy water activities besides just swimming.

Boating
Lake Mineral Wells is a 640-acre lake with a boat ramp.
Fishing
Visitors can enjoy fishing from the pier or shore, no license required. Species include catfish, crappie and sunfish.

Boat rentals are available for those wishing to fish deeper waters. Largemouth bass is also common here.

Fishing gear can be borrowed on-site at no cost through a tackle loaner program making it convenient for beginners.


Location
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway is located near Mineral Wells, Springtown and Weatherford

Picnicking
1. Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills.
2. Shaded areas provide a cool, comfortable picnicking experience.
3. Some sites offer lake views for scenic outdoor dining.
4. There are also covered pavilions available to rent for larger gatherings or events.
5. Picnickers can enjoy fishing or swimming in the lake after their meal.

Trails
Park trails 12.8 miles range from easy to challenging, from lakeside to scenic Cross Timbers trails. Or set out on the 20-mile Trailway, with its flat grades and gentle curves. The Trailway and most of the park trails are open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Trails may close during wet weather.
Bicycling
Visitors can enjoy 12.8 miles of trailway suitable for biking, but caution is advised due to varying terrain.

The park offers a rugged mountain bike area with nine challenging trails covering over six miles.

Helmets are strongly recommended while cycling in the park as safety should be your priority.

Bike rentals aren't available on-site; visitors must bring their own or rent from nearby facilities before arrival.

Cyclists need to respect wildlife and keep distance when encountering animals during rides within this natural habitat.

Please note that some paths may not be well-suited for beginners due to steep inclines and rocky surfaces.

Remember: always stay hydrated especially under Texas' hot weather conditions which could cause dehydration quickly if unprepared.

It's important cyclists stick to designated routes only - off-trail riding isn't permitted here.


Birding
Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot various species such as the Painted Bunting, Eastern Bluebird and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. The park is also home to Red-shouldered Hawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Northern Cardinals. Other common sightings include White-eyed Vireos, Summer Tanagers and Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Birders may catch a glimpse of migratory birds like Swainson's Hawk during certain seasons.

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