Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway

Hiking in Texas

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Trinity River Trail

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(1 vote, 1 review)

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 20 miles / 32 km
Duration: Half day

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Overview: Immerse yourself in the history, wildlife, and countryside of Texas as you make your way from Mineral Wells to Weatherford on this 20 mile trail through time.

When it's freezing cold up north, this trail makes a nice winter-time escape. If you are a trail-lover, then you'll enjoy the flat terrain, peaceful surroundings, and well-spaced diversions along the trail.

Who will enjoy this trail?
- Bike riders who want to get in a 40 mile ride without risking life and limb on the highways.
- Hikers who want the solitude and serenity of a country trail.
- Vietnam veterans who want to stop off at the National Vietnam War Museum.
- Bird watchers who want to see an incredible variety of aviary delight from the pure white of the waterbirds near Sunshine Lake to the vibrant red and yellow birds that flit through the Texas underbrush.
- Historians who want to learn about the old, abandoned railroad, the Native American uprisings, and the days of Texas cattle/oil barons.
- Anyone who wants to get some exercise while viewing the Texas countryside.

Get away from it all on the Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway in the heart of the Lone Star State.

Tips: - There is a "Self-Pay" entrance fee for the trail that is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children aged 12 and younger. Pay stations are available in Mineral Wells, Garner, and at the Weatherford trailhead.
- If you travel this trail in the summer, it's best to get an early start and pack plenty of water.
- Don't forget the sunscreen.
- Drinking water is only available at the trailheads.
- The trail is open from dawn to dusk.
- Horseback riding is allowed for the 16 miles of trail starting at Ballew Springs Rd. and going to Weatherford. Horses aren't allowed on the first six miles of the trail from the trailhead in Mineral Wells to the State Park trailhead.

Points of Interest

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Mineral Wells trailhead

You will find ample parking, restrooms, informational signs, covered picnic tables, and, of course, the Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway starting point at this trailhead.
The city is named for the mineral springs in the area. These springs were quite popular in the early 1900s.

map of Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway Photo

old railroad line historical information Photo

Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway trailhead Photo

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Rock Creek Trail to the National Vietnam War Museum

"When completed, The National Vietnam War Musuem will offer an educational environment where people from all over the world can come to remember, learn and understand...."

The statement above comes directly from the National VN War Museum website. A link to that site is available with this guide.

The museum is not yet completed but currently offers outdoor exhibits, gardens, and a visitor center with ample parking and easy trail access.

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highway overpass

One of many stellar qualities of the Mineral Wells Trail is the safe, nearly car-free environment it provides. This highway 180 crossing is the only major road the trail bisects and the overpass insures a safe, uninterrupted journey.

Lake Mineral Wells State Trail overpass Photo

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equestrian access begins

The Ballew Springs Rd. offers State Park trailhead and equestrian access. It is six miles from the Mineral Wells trailhead and 14 miles from the Weatherford trailhead.

No horses for 6 miles, yes horses for 14 miles Photo

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Garner, Texas

This intersection has abundant resources for trail aficionados. It provides access to a trailhead, restrooms, a trail fee station, food, drinks, and an RV park/campground.

food available near trail in Garner, TX Photo

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highest spot on trail

At 1,235 in elevation this is the highest spot on this Texas rail trail.

rest bench on Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway Photo

highest spot on Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway Photo

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Sunshine Lake

Bird watchers will especially like this area with its abundance of aviary life.

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Weatherford Trailhead

Whether you are starting or ending your journey here, there is plenty of parking, a restroom, and Cartwright Park located at this trailhead.

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Awesome Animals Abound

Whether domesticated or wild, you will enjoy the wildlife that lives near the trail. It's like a long, authentic zoo.

friendly snake basking in the trail sun Photo

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rules of the trail

Like most trails, the Mineral Wells Rail Trail (State Trailway) has rules and regulations and the trail developers have done a nice job of communicating those rules throughout the pathway. For example, they have done a nice job of communicating where horses are allowed, where to pay trail fees, and what rules govern larger groups of trail users. Signs are located throughout the trail and some of those signs are pictured in this trail guide.

Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway trail fees Photo

Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway information Photo

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Texas Garden of Eden

As with most American rail trails, the Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway offers an abundance of beautiful plants and trees. You will see this throughout your excursion, but you also have the opportunity to learn more about this botanical wonderland.

Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway flora Photo

more trailside botanical information Photo

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History comes alive.

From the historic Weatherford, Mineral Wells and Northwestern Railroad to Native American conflicts, trail travelers will learn about the rich history found along this abandoned rail line. Signs are available to entertain and educate.

Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway trail map Photo

Pictures in this guide taken by: trailsnet, trailsnet.com

How does this work?

Considering it was still winter, the weather was awesome and the trail was in great shape. I met some interesting people and had some great trailside conversations. I would recommend both this trail and the Trinity Trail in Fort Worth.
Visited on Mar 08, 2011

by trailsnet on Mar 08, 2011