Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Story by Bob Kaspar | Photos contributed by James Adams, Park Superintendent
Nestled within the rocky hills surrounding Strawn, Texas, lies Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, scheduled to open in 2024 as the state’s first new park since 2001.
When completed, it will be the second state park in Palo Pinto County. The 4,871-acre parcel that comprises the park had been used to raise cattle, but Texas Parks and Wildlife was able to acquire the land using funds from the sale of Eagle Mountain Lake State Park.
Though the region that the park resides within is colloquially referred to as the “northern Hill Country,†it more accurately is called the West Cross Timbers region. This area is characterized by dense post oak woodlands amidst wide expanses of wavy grasslands.
The Palo Pinto Mountains are one of 10 mountain ranges within the state, and though the word “mountain†typically evokes images of snow-capped peaks and pine trees, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is nonetheless every bit as stunning. Here, groves of oak and juniper sprout from the steep sandstone slopes, while the towering hilltops offer an unparalleled view of the surrounding creeks and valleys, while Tucker Lake, a 90-acre impoundment of Russel Creek, is regularly stocked with fish from Possum Kingdom fish hatchery.
Native wildlife also abounds within the park. In addition to the ever-present white-tailed deer, the park hosts a thriving Rio Grande wild turkey population. Park staffers also have reported seeing porcupines from time to time, and they’ve even spotted the elusive ring-tailed cat.
James Adams, a native of Mineral Wells, is the park’s superintendent. He drew inspiration to become a park ranger from his father-in-law, who was the former superintendent of Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway. Adams’ 13-year career with Texas Parks and Wildlife started at nearby Cedar Hill State Park in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex before also including stints in parks across the state. Adams said some of his favorites along the way have included Cooper Lake State Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Through his tenure with state parks, he became a park police officer, and five years ago he was tapped to take the reins of Palo Pinto Mountains.
“The first earth was turned in January 2021,†Adams said.
Since then, he and his team have worked tirelessly to develop a park widely considered to be a crown jewel in the state park system. The people of Strawn are certainly welcoming of the new project; in fact, the community even donated 200 acres of land to the project.
“I haven’t met one person that isn’t excited to see it happen.†Adams said. “I’ve heard people say that they don’t think it’s ever going to be open, since the state has had it since 2011, but it will.â€
A new state park will no doubt create an influx of tourism for Strawn and the surrounding areas. With two state parks, a third on its border and several more just a stone’s throw away, Palo Pinto County is cementing its reputation as one of the Lone Star State’s premiere outdoor destinations.
Building a new state park from scratch takes time, though, and the process is not without its challenges. Regular construction delays were compounded by the knock-on effects of rising inflation, but construction crews are installing utility lines, clearing roads and constructing a massive culvert to drain the steep hillsides that comprise the park.
Upon completion, the park will have 59 campsites, 10 equestrian sites, 12 primitive sites, 25 water and electric sites, and 12 walk-in primitive sites that require a two-mile hike to reach. Many of these sites are on a hilltop with scenic overlooks at every turn.
Along with breathtaking scenery and local flora and fauna, the park boasts a vibrant local history and an impressive array of cultural artifacts.
“The archaeological survey turned up a Paleo point (a projectile made by Paleoindians),†Adams said. “That’s about 8,000 years old.â€
There’s also a massive stone oven built by railroad workers in the 1880s. It’s one of two that still exist in the state, and it’s the only one that remains in its original geographical context. Tucker Lake itself, originally called Strawn Lake, was built by the Public Works Administration in 1937 to supply water to the community of Strawn.
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, with its winding creeks, rugged terrain and abundant wildlife, will no doubt showcase the natural splendor of the best Texas has to offer.
