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Armadillo Hill Trail - Eisenhower State Park


The Armadillo Hill Trail is an out and back trail located at Eisenhower State Park along Lake Texoma. It is roughly .8 mile in length if hiked end to end or 1.6 miles roundtrip. For a short trail, it offers a lot. It includes numerous elevation changes. Several interpretive markers educate you on the plant life, geology, and natural history found along the trail.


To access the trail, take a right towards the Armadillo Hill camping area almost immediately after entering through the park's main gate. You will pass some park maintenance buildings and a residence. Just prior to the first campsite, to your left you will see an arch marking the beginning of the trail. Across from the arch is a small parking area.


The trail contains many ups and downs. To aid the hiker and prevent erosion, logs are used to build steps into the hills that make up this trail. You will encounter these steps almost immediately after beginning the trail. Several more sets are along the way.


Along the trail are several interpretive signs that will provide information on the trail's plant life, geology, and natural history. While the plants found along the trail were common to North Texas, including many Eastern Red Cedar trees, I was most fascinated by the signs discussing the park's limestone, Kiamichi formations, and numerous ammonite fossils. 


Approximately .2 mile into the trail, you come to the Buttonbush Scenic Point. A small cove comes up towards the trail. If you walk a short distance off trail, you will have access to the water. 


Many rocks and fossils line the shore. While you can look at the park's fossils all you want, you should not remove them as they are public property and part of the park's natural history. The park's fossil formations were created 100-130 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. 


Along with the trail's many ups and downs are lots of rocks. Be sure to wear a sturdy pair of hiking shoes to help you traverse these many rocks. 


After hiking .8 mile, the trail reaches the park's main road (Park Road 20). At this point, you have two options. You can turn around and make your way back to the beginning of the trail for a 1.6 mile hike. You can also cross the road to connect to Ike's Hike & Bike Trail. This trail is a lollipop loop that continues another 3.2 miles and includes a scenic view at Lover's Leap, a cliff overlooking the lake. 


Eisenhower State Park is an underappreciated and underrated Texas State Park. Its limestone cliffs provide amazing views of the lake. The hiking trails, which are well maintained and easy to follow, are challenging without being overwhelming. Admission to the park is $5 per day for persons over age twelve (as of February 2022) or free if you have a Texas State Parks pass. 

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