Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens its trails to first visitors on New Year's Day

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is set to welcome its first visitors on New Year’s Day. The long-awaited park spans 4,871 acres across Stephens and Palo Pinto counties, around 83 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Officials have described it as a major addition to Texas’s outdoor spaces.

Planning for the park began in 2010, with the first section of land purchased two years later. The city of Strawn later donated additional acreage, including Tucker Lake, to expand the site. Now, after over a decade of development, the park will open to guests with reservations on 1 January.

Visitors can explore multiuse trails, picnic areas, and designated spots for RV and tent camping. The park will also feature dark-sky viewing zones, ideal for stargazing. On opening day, guided hikes will introduce guests to the landscape’s key features. Tucker Lake will offer a peaceful retreat for fishing, paddling, and birdwatching. Unlike many lakes, it will remain free of motorised boats, ensuring a quiet environment. Due to limited capacity, day-pass reservations must be made in advance through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, shared his enthusiasm for the project. While the official public opening is still expected in 2026, this early access gives a first look at the park’s potential.

The park’s phased opening marks a milestone after years of preparation. Reserved guests will experience its trails, lake, and scenic views starting on New Year’s Day. Full public access is planned for 2026, once all facilities are complete.