A morning's stroll

Llamas
These llamas were in a pasture next to the trailhead.
User: kcameron - 11/24/2005

Location: Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway

Rating: 3stars
Difficulty: 2stars  Solitude: 1star
Miles Hiked: 10.00 Miles  Elapsed Time: N/A

Comments: On Thanksgiving morning, my wife and I hiked 5 miles out from the Weatherford trailhead of the Trailway and back for a total of 10 miles. We were surprised at the number of people on the trail. We encountered at least 5 other hikers/joggers and probably a dozen or more bicyclists. At the trailhead, we saw some llamas in a pasture next to the trail. Immediately after leaving the trailhead, you cross Town Creek on a well-constructed bridge. Almost immediately on the right, there is an earthern dam running parralel to the trail. Farther up the trail, you get a glimpse or two of Sunshine Lake, which is formed from Town Creek. Benches begin appearing at intervals of roughly 1 mile, some at exactly the mile marker. Mile posts mark each mile of the trail. Town Creek continues to parallel the trail for at least 2 miles. Just over 3 miles is a road crossing. Just beyond this, Town Creek begins to veer away from the trail. At the 4 mile mark, you reach the highest point on the trail at 1,235 feet. This site is marked with a sign post and a couple of benches. Up to this point, the trail has been on a steady but gradual climb with only a couple of exceptions. From this point, the trail slopes gently downward. At just under 5 miles, you cross another road. After crossing the road, there is a bridge, and then the composting toilet at exactly 5 miles. There is a bicycle rack, a hitching rack, bench, and garbage can in addition to the toilet. At this point, we rested a bit, then made the return trip to the trailhead. Although this was a pleasant hike, it is probably not one we would do again, though I would like to bike the entire trail at some point. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of color along the trail. If you like seeing country life, this is a good trail. You are always in site of houses, barns, horses, cattle, and other aspects of farm/ranch life. If you enjoy getting away from things, though, you might be disappointed with this trail.

Log Photos
Weatherford Trailhead of Lake Mineral Wells Trailway
Facilities at trailhead
Llamas
Long trail
Fall colors
Area around Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
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