Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lot. Crownridge is about 19 miles northwest of downtown. DeLorme: Texas Atlas &
Gazetteer: Page 156 A1. GPS: N 29 37.001' / W 98 37.837'
The Hike
Take time to read the information boards at the trailhead, next to the pavilion, telling about the flora
and fauna found in the park. There is a kiosk with a large park map. There is an interesting rainwater
harvesting demonstration, showing rainwater being collected from the pavilion roof. Restroom facilit-
ies and water are available at the trailhead. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible and has good
signage.
Head north for a short distance and reach some limestone steps going up about 5 feet and surroun-
ded by shrubs and flowers. Here the trail makes an acute left turn, heading west for a very short dis-
tance. Then make a hard right and head north. Some snakes call the park home, including the nonven-
omous hognose and green snakes and the venomous copperhead.
Continue following the trail north with some minor turns right and left. Benches are placed along
the sides of the trail, some in good shade. Watch for ball moss attached to some of the tree limbs. Most
of the mammals found in the park are nocturnal or elusive. These include raccoon, coyote, fox, skunk,
bobcats, and ring-tailed cats. Watch for white-tailed deer, rabbits, and squirrels during the day.
About 0.5 mile from the trailhead, reach the Red Oak Canyon Bridge. Good views of the shallow
canyon are available. Make a hard right, heading east, then make a semicircle and head north. Reach
the Y with the Bear Grass Trail. Take the right branch, heading east for a short distance, and then make
a hard right, heading south, and pass the junction with Bear Grass Trail.
Continue following Red Oak generally south, with zigs and zags to the right and left. Pass a habitat
reforestation area that has various types of enclosures protecting small plants and trees from browsing
deer. The deer have devastated much of the cedar, elm, red oak, and wild cherry. Watch for live oak,
Texas persimmon, and prickly pear cactus. Some of the cactus appears to be growing out of a lime-
stone outcrop, making a good photo op.
The trail parallels an unnamed creek (why not Red Oak?) on the left side that flows through Red
Oak Canyon. There are 15- to 20-foot drop-offs to the creek. Hardwood trees, with a few cedars mixed
in, fill the canyon. Continue traveling south on the trail and then bear right back to the trailhead.
