Ike's Hike & Bike Trail - Eisenhower State Park

Looking for a hike with a view?! Check out Ike's Hike and Bike Trail at Eisenhower State Park. This 3.2 mile lollipop loop has rocks, roots, changes in elevation, ancient fossils, and cliffs overlooking Lake Texoma that offer stunning views.

Ike's Hike and Bike Trail is part of a trail system that stretches the length of Eisenhower State Park. You have the option of beginning your hike on the .8 mile Armadillo Hill Trail. Ike's Hike and Bike Trail begins when the Armadillo Hill trail crosses the park's main road (Park Road 20). If you do not desire to hike the whole length of Ike's Hike & Bike trail, there are parking lots at various points that provide access to the trail. See a map for locations. 

Ike's Hike and Bike Trail is rocky and rugged. There are lots of rocks, roots, and changes in elevation. Be sure to wear a sturdy pair of hiking boots or trail runners. On the plus side, this trail is well shaded.

One of the features of Eisenhower State Park is its many visible fossils. Among the rocks are numerous Kiamichi Formations. Embedded within the rock are ammonite and ancient oyster fossils that were deposited during the Cretaceous Period, around 100-130 million years ago. 

Another distinctive feature of Eisenhower State Park is its limestone cliffs. The limestone cliffs are composed of the skeletal remains of coral, shells, and microscopic algae. This limestone was formed when Texas was covered by a warm, shallow sea nearly 265 million years ago. At various points along Ike's Hike and Bike Trail you have the opportunity to take a view from one of these cliffs. The most prominent and scenic point is called Lover's Leap. Enjoy the view, but be sure to watch your step and stay safe!

A brief detour from Ike's Hike and Bike Trail will take you to the park's only designated swim beach. This small cove offers a scenic view of the lake. If you are up for a bit of bouldering and if lake levels are not too high, you can find a small cave just to the right of the swim beach carved into the cliff below Lover's Leap. This cave offers a photo worthy scene, just exercise care when accessing it. 

If you choose to hike the entirety of the Armadillo Hill and Ike's Hike and Bike Trails, you can expect a roundtrip total of just over 7 miles. Eisenhower State Park is an underappreciated and underrated Texas State Park. Its limestone cliffs provide amazing views of the lake. The hiking trails are well maintained and easy to follow.  Admission to the park is $5 per day for persons over age twelve (as of July 2022) or free if you have a Texas State Parks pass. 

More information

• Eisenhower State Park
• Eisenhower State Park Facebook
• Eisenhower State Park Instagram
• Under the Ancient Ocean (Article from Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine)
• All Trails (combines Armadillo Hill & Ike's Hike & Bike Trail into a single trail)