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Cross Timbers Hiking Trail at Lake Texoma

 


The Cross Timbers is a defining feature of the North Texas and Southern Oklahoma landscape. The ecosystem of the region consists of sandy soils from which grow blackjack oak, post oak, cedar elm, and juniper among other trees. Amongst this landscape is the Cross Timbers Hiking Trail at Lake Texoma.


This fourteen mile trail largely runs parallel to the southern shoreline of the lake. It begins at Juniper Point and runs West crossing through Cedar Bayou and Rock Creek Resorts before coming to its conclusion at Paw Paw Creek. Dubbed the "toughest little trail in Texas," the trail's many ups and downs along the cliffs and bluffs overlooking the lake make for a moderately challenging hike. This trail runs through land owned by the Corps of Engineers. There is no fee to access the trail unless you park at one of the marinas situated along it.


This trail is generally well maintained, follows a well worn path, and is well marked. Mason jar lids nailed to trees and placed at regular intervals serve as blazes. Bridges are placed across small streams. The lake can encroach upon the trail when it is at high levels. Generally, notices are placed on Facebook when this occurs. Be warned that trail maintenance is lacking on the western portion of the trail between Paw Paw Creek and Rock Creek. 


At various points along the trail you will catch a view of the lake through the trees. At others you will be right along the shore. Primitive camping is permitted anywhere along the trail. On my own journeys along the Cross Timbers Hiking Trail, I've encountered day hikers, backpackers taking an overnight trip, a Boy Scout troop getting ready for an excursion to Philmont, and hikers field testing gear in preparation for the Pacific Crest Trail. 


This trail can be hiked year round, but the best time of year is Fall to Spring. The heat, combined with humidity can make for brutal conditions during the Summer. Plus, mosquitos, ticks, snakes, and other pests are more likely to be present along the trail during the warmer months. Aside from marinas and improved campgrounds, there is no fresh water available along the trail. 


See below for section by section reviews of the the Cross Timbers Hiking Trail. New sections will be added at later dates. 

Juniper Point to Cedar Bayou


The Cross Timbers Hiking Trail begins at the Juniper Point, a campground maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. The campground is situated along US Highway 377 with improved camp sites on both the East and West sides of the highway. The Cross Timbers Trail is accessed on the West side of the highway. Drive to the rear of the campground where you will find a small parking lot and a sign showing a map of the trail. This is the trail's easternmost trailhead. There are no parking fees for day or overnight use of the trail. However, you must pay to use the improved campsites. If you wish to reserve one of the improved campsites at Juniper Point, you can do so through recreation.gov. Restrooms are available at Juniper Point.



Along with the beauty of the forest, this section of the trail contains numerous hills and cliffs which you ascend and descend. At roughly .7 mile is a bench sitting on the side of one of these cliffs. While you are only a short distance into the hike at this point, this location is a great place to catch your breath or sit and take in the beauty of the forest. A stairway is built into the cliffside to help you ascend this cliff.



In addition to the Mason jar lids which serve as blazes, signs along the way help direct you and identify some of the trail's features. Some of these signs are entertaining with names such as SOB Hill and Monkey Butt Hill. 


The trail continues to make its way through the woods as it traverses over the many hills, with occasional glimpses and views of the lake. This section of the trail is moderately challenging. With the many rocks, roots, and changes in elevation, hiking poles are beneficial.


You will cross a road at the 2.5 mile mark and see a sign noting that you have arrived in the Cedar Bayou area. You will need to walk another .5 mile or so to reach the marina. Water is available at the marina if you need to resupply before continuing your hike. If you wish to park a car at the Cedar Bayou trailhead to shuttle back to Juniper Point, you can do so for $5 which you pay at the marina office or via a drop box. 


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