Lake Mineral Wells State Park: Penitentiary Hollow Canyon & Winter Lake Trails
Visit on your scheduleNov 1 – Feb 28 · 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Daily 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (Penitentiary Hollow and trail system open daily; advance day-use reservations recommended via Texas State Parks)
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway100 Park Rd 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067 · 72.2 mi approx. from Dallas–Fort WorthDirections
All ages welcome; Trailway is stroller and wheelchair friendly; canyon scrambling requires adult supervision; kids 12 and under free
From $7Day-use admission $7 for adults (ages 13+); Children ages 12 & under Free; Free with Texas State Parks Annual Pass
About this adventure
Just 45 minutes west of Fort Worth, Lake Mineral Wells State Park holds one of the most striking geological landmarks in all of North Texas: Penitentiary Hollow. This dramatic natural canyon of sheer 40-foot sandstone bluffs and narrow rock labyrinths is the only natural rock-climbing and rappelling venue in the region, offering hikers and families scenic cliff-top overlooks and rugged descent paths among ancient cedar elms. Winter offers ideal hiking conditions with crisp, bug-free breezes, clear skies, and spectacular reflections across 640-acre Lake Mineral Wells. Families can hike or bike 12.8 miles of park trails or venture onto the 20-mile Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway, a flat, crushed-stone rail-trail connecting Mineral Wells to Weatherford. After exploring the sandstone canyons, relax at lakeside picnic pavilions or try catch-and-release fishing along the park's lighted piers.
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