Photo Journal: Cross Timbers Trail at Lake Texoma

 

I recently (early March) went for a near 10 mile hike at Cross Timbers Trail at Lake Texoma. The trail begins at Juniper Point in Gordonville, Texas and continues West for roughly 14.5 miles one way. Primitive camping is available along the trail and backpacking is allowed without a need for a permit. There are several points where you can park and from which you can hike, including Juniper Point (free parking), Cedar Bayou Marina ($5 parking fee) and Rock Creek ($12 parking fee). The trail is rated moderate and has decent elevation changes.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/CrossTimbersHikingTrail/ and

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/cross-timbers-hiking-trail

Happy exploring!

 
The “trail map” at Juniper Point. Not quite helpful, but you can download the map from the AllTrails app or practice your navigation skills. Be warned… cell service is not always available, so accessing a map through data is not always possible.

The “trail map” at Juniper Point. Not quite helpful, but you can download the map from the AllTrails app or practice your navigation skills. Be warned… cell service is not always available, so accessing a map through data is not always possible.

My friend Rachel and I at the start of the trail.

My friend Rachel and I at the start of the trail.

In my opinion, the trail is well marked with blazes as shown in this photo.

In my opinion, the trail is well marked with blazes as shown in this photo.

You catch glimpses of the lake through the trees before getting a full view

You catch glimpses of the lake through the trees before getting a full view

Beautiful views of Lake Texoma

Beautiful views of Lake Texoma

Up, up, up!

Up, up, up!

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Early signs of Spring!

Early signs of Spring!

Hello life!

Hello life!

“A good day can carry you for a long time.”

“A good day can carry you for a long time.”

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This might be the brightest green I have ever seen in nature

This might be the brightest green I have ever seen in nature

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When it splits, take the high road! The views are worth it and pictures don’t do it justice. This was a canyon like crevasse.

When it splits, take the high road! The views are worth it and pictures don’t do it justice. This was a canyon like crevasse.

We were excited and this section of the trail truly is enchanted

We were excited and this section of the trail truly is enchanted

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Fern Grotto… just beginning to come back to life after Winter!

Fern Grotto… just beginning to come back to life after Winter!

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Rocky terrain, much like hiking in Arkansas

Rocky terrain, much like hiking in Arkansas

Beautiful views

Beautiful views

There’s a reason it’s called Sob Hill…

There’s a reason it’s called Sob Hill…

The bamboo forest

The bamboo forest

Hiking and mountain biking is permitted. If you ask me, it likely requires a great deal of skill to mountain bike this trail.

Hiking and mountain biking is permitted. If you ask me, it likely requires a great deal of skill to mountain bike this trail.

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An unique sight.. maybe a “trail tree?” https://www.treehugger.com/trail-trees-living-native-american-legacy-4862242

An unique sight.. maybe a “trail tree?” https://www.treehugger.com/trail-trees-living-native-american-legacy-4862242

We selected a slightly different route on the return and the trail followed the lake, looking toward Oklahoma.

We selected a slightly different route on the return and the trail followed the lake, looking toward Oklahoma.