Cleburne State Park

Trail
10.54 Miles
N/A
$3.00
3stars (3.23)20
2stars (2.35)
2point5stars (2.53)
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
5800 Park Road 21
Cleburne
Johnson
More Info
Photos
Wildflowers
Wildflowers were in full bloom (including the Texas state flower - blue bonnet). (Photo by Blaze)
Up And Down
The trails go up and down several hills and provide a good cardio workout. Some parts can be steep and a little tricky to navigate. (Photo by Blaze)
Across The Lake
One part of the trail takes you along the top of lake's dam. (Photo by Blaze)
Another View Of The Trail
Some parts of the hilly trails offered a lot of shade. (Photo by Blaze)
Spillway
This spillway and drainage channel is made of limestone. (Photo by Blaze)
View Of The Trail
At some points along the trail, you cross over some shallow creeks. (Photo by Blaze)
Rocky Trails
Much of the trails are covered with loose limestone rocks and offer a lot of elevation change. (Photo by Blaze)
Spillway
Took this several months ago w/ cell. (Photo by CedrHillr)
Log Entries
By Brooke_Lee on 2/18/2016
Rating: 2point5stars Difficulty: 2point5stars Solitude: 1point5stars
Distance: 4.00 Miles Duration: N/A

This is a pretty decent trail, we found a lot of beautiful trails, and wooded areas that lead to a gorgeous waterfall. There are a lot of people around however so not a good place for solitude. 

Lots Of Limestone
By Blaze on 4/13/2013
Rating: 2stars Difficulty: 2point5stars Solitude: 1point5stars
Distance: 9.80 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 2 minutes

I hiked the trails of Cleburne State Park as a part of a group.  I usually hike solo, but I thought it might be an interesting experience to hike with other trail lovers.  The group, consisting of men and women ranging from their early 20's to their mid-60s, also hiked Dinosaur Valley State Park the following day (you can read my log of that trail here).

The trails at Cleburne State Park span the entire park, which is comprised of many rolling hills made of limestone around a scenic lake.  There are a lot of loose limestone rocks on the trail that create the potential for slips, falls and twisted ankles, so my advice is to hike these trails with some good, stiff hiking boots that have thick lugs on them and use a hiking stick or trekking poles for balance.  Some people in the group wore sneakers and/or did not have any type of pole support and, as a result, some knee and ankle injuries occurred as well as blisters and sore feet.

The trails have numerous switchbacks, making it somewhat of a maze.  Fortunately, we had a guide that had mapped out a route in detail so we simply had to follow along as he led the way.  In many parts of the trail, the vegetation is fairly thick and provides some shade.  This was helpful given the temperature was around 90 degrees when we hiked.  Some of the ascents/descents are a little steep, but not too long, so they're not too bad.

Cleburne State Park also offers lots of places to camp overnight, but be aware that there is a Limestone Quarry adjacent to the park and noisy, heavy-duty construction vehicles operate during the night, so you may not get the best night's sleep.

Lots of solitude, and variation in landscape
By BANDA on 6/10/2012
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 4point5stars
Distance: 4.00 Miles Duration: N/A

This park has nice trails, and very few people on them while we were there. Most people spent their time in the swimming area. The lake is nice and clear. There are some failry steep areas on the trail, but nothing too bad. If you have an RV, this is a great park for a base camp, as there are full hookups, and you also have Dinosaur Valley and Meridian state parks nearby for day trips.

By jaewonne on 1/28/2012
Rating: 3point5stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 5.00 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
By amysknnr on 5/19/2011
Rating: 2point5stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 1point5stars
Distance: 4.00 Miles Duration: N/A
By LunaSkye on 10/9/2010
Rating: 3point5stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: 2 hours
By jeepy_girl on 5/9/2010
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 5.50 Miles Duration: 3 hours
Around the park
By CedrHillr on 12/14/2008
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 5.00 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Wildlife was definitely there!   While hiking around park on Fossil Ridge, Upper spillway trail, Coyote Run and Whispering Meadows,  I saw a 3 foot long snake (no rattle), many birds including turkey vultures, ducks and a hawk, and lots of squirrels.  And after dark I drove by a possum near lake, a bobcat at the dam and three does near entrance. 

Enjoyable stroll
By rk0725 on 12/13/2008
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 2stars
Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: 2 hours

My dog and I took the Coyote Run Nature Trail to an overlook above the dam.  I estimate that the hike was about 3 miles round trip but I could be off some.  We dawdled and played along the way so time didn't mean much.  A nice little hike that let us enjoy the country but definitely not hard.  Very little elevation change.  We only met a couple of other groups along the trail so there was a feeling of solitude.  Small side/game trails led down to the lake and made for nice diversions.  Saw deer and armadillos and heard lots of birds.

Coyote trail
By CedrHillr on 10/7/2008
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 3stars Solitude: 4stars
Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

$3 day fee.  Only met two people on hike around backside of lake, recent rain closed trail for bikes, but only a little mud, most of trail is rocky, and several gulleys.  Nice resting bench half way and at end of trail is cliffs w/ nice views over lake and spillway.  No water running over it, but some seepage below it into creek.   .  

  Went by nearby Ham Creek park but didn't go in.  Looks like $3 day fee too.  There is a hiking trail there but wasn't finished several months ago. 

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