Tyler State Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in East Texas

Published 5:21 pm Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Although it lacks the sheer grandeur of Palo Duro Canyon, Tyler State Park offers plenty of opportunities for those whose idea of a good time is hiking and biking through a forest with towering trees and along a picturesque  spring-fed lake.

The 64-acre park not only offers camping and fishing, but 13 miles of well-marked trails, ranging from easy to challenging. 

Along some of the trails are structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps workers who created the park back in the 1930s.

Maps are available at the rangers station located at the park entrance. Trails are for both hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated. 

The park is located off Highway 14 between Tyler and Hawkins. 

A LOOP

A Loop is 2.53 miles long and its difficulty is rated as moderate. The trail includes elevation changes. You may encounter obstacles such as loose gravel.

B LOOP

The B Loop is 3.1 miles long and rated as moderate. This trail includes many elevation changes making it a challenging but beautiful trek through the park’s many different types of forest.

BLACKJACK (hiking only)

The trail is .35-mile long and rated as easy. The flat, short trail crosses a grassy savannah and is perfect for families and those looking for an easy walk.

C LOOP

The C Loop is 1.47 miles long and rated as challenging. This trail is short but challenging. It offers the opportunity to see some of the larger pines in the park.

D LOOP

D Loop is 2.14 miles long and rated as challenging. This trail crosses several different forest types, which attract a variety of migratory birds. Grab your binoculars and see how many you can spot.

EZ LOOP

The route is .74-mile long is rated easy. You can head out on three different trails from here. Choose the one that suits you best.

LAKESHORE (hiking only)

The trail is 2.1 miles long and is rated easy. It is is relatively flat with plenty of spots to picnic, cast a fishing line or just relax and take in the view.

WHISPERING PINES (hiking only)

The .67-mile trail is rated as moderate. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed this trail over 70 years ago, planting pine trees and building a wading pool and a small waterfall.