Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway - Fort Richardson State Park
Once upon a time Fort Richardson was the northernmost post in a line of forts stretching from the Rio Grande to the Red River. Established in 1867, the fort played a critical role in the US Army's campaign to remove the American Indians from the Southern Plains and force them onto reservations. After the completion of this goal, the fort was closed in 1878. Today, Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site preserves the fort's remaining buildings and offers opportunities for camping and hiking among other activities. Among the hiking trails at this park is the Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway.
This 8 mile trail runs between Fort Richardson State Park's main unit and its satellite unit. Most of the trail runs parallel to the shorelines of Lake Jacksboro and Lost Creek Reservoir. The entirety of the trail is paved with crushed gravel. Elevation changes are minimal. The trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists. The trail can be accessed from trail heads located in the park's main unit and North Park Unit. Unless you have a Texas State Parks Pass, persons utilizing this trail must pay the park's day use fee of $4 per person over the age of 12
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As you continue your hike and leave the park's main unit, you pass the remnants of a flour mill. Texas State Parks and those involved with this trail have done a fantastic job documenting the local history that took place along this trail's path. I counted nearly 20 interpretive kiosks and state historical markers noting items of historical value. If you appreciate history, you will find this trail fascinating.
The trail makes its way through the city of Jacksboro going past a city park and municipal airport as it follows Lost Creek. Just past the three mile mark, the trail begins its parallel run along the eastern shorelines of Lake Jacksboro and Lost Creek Reservoir.
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All in all, the Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway is a fine trail. However, if you hike to immerse yourself in nature, you might be disappointed. You are never far from the sights and sounds of civilization on this trail as it makes its way through the city of Jacksboro, runs alongside roads, and there are nearby homes. While the trail offers lake views, the scenery along the trail is not the most picturesque. There is little shade on this trail. Fortunately, my hike took place on a cool and cloudy day. I would hesitate to hike this trail on a warm sunny day. Be advised, there is no potable water along this trail.
Despite this trail's shortcomings, I appreciated the smooth and well maintained path as well as the rich and detailed history documented along the trail. Plus it offered the opportunity to get some miles underfoot. If a hike on the Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway is too long for you, Fort Richardson has some much shorter trails that are worth checking out. Fort Richardson is a great place to escape for a day of history and hiking.
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