Welcome Y'all!
Hope you are wrapping up 2020 and gearing up with goals for 2021, may be not? Either ways, I'll tell you this, each one of us has been presented with some kind of challenge this year and irrespective of the outcome, be proud of how much you have adapted, learnt, forgiven and moved forward. On that note, Thanksgiving is huge every year. While this year seemed very different, I did not plan to meet friends or travel to be with family like we have done in the past years. I instead decided to do an overnight at Cleburne, TX
Cleburne State Park was where we decided to spend the night. Unlike our most recent overnight at Abilene, the nature sounds here at night were pretty subtle and peaceful. The highlight of the park is the three-tiered spillway at Cedar Lake that was hand-carved out of a limestone. So very proud of the kind of engineering CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) was able to accomplish. Sharing this story of how we hiked to get a view of the spillway and other close to nature, surreal sunset spots.
CCC Spillway Hike:
This time it was a few trails combined that helped me get the most out of this State Park's historic and nature touched areas. So, I started from the Parking lot at the intersection of White-Tail Hollow Trail and Spillway Trail. I hiked about 0.22 miles in the Spillway Trail where you hike uphill and the trail itself is super rocky. This obviously takes a toll on your foot, be sure to carry plenty of water and good hiking shoes is a must. There seemed to be more than one way or for better terms parallel trails that are not marked but lead to the same scenic spot. Stick to your trail if that's best for ya. Here at the scenic overview is a beautiful view of the three-way limestone spillway constructed by CCC rather hand carved by CCC - how amazing is this? I hiked in fall during sunset and the tints of red that was gorgeous in the golden-hour.
Coyote Run Nature Trail:
From this scenic view, I continued the Spillway Trail for another 0.09 and 0.1miles (this trail will be marked in yellow on the State Park's trail map). Right at this point, the trail turns to Coyote Run Nature Trail (marked in red on the State Park's trail map). A short walk of 0.11 mile at the Coyote Run Nature Trail is the second scenic overview which is nothing but breathtaking. Cedar Lake during sunset is lit in golden hues. We had the trail to ourselves as it was Thanksgiving Eve and oh my! The serene sunset, the calm lake and the chilly weather was perfect to rest and repeatt our hike. Remember that this is a hike and bike trail and offers great views of the lake as it runs parallel to the lake. I returned back from the scenic overview and did not take the entire Coyote Run Nature Trail.
Camp Creek Bridge:
Y'all, trust me - this is such a beautiful spot especially if you visit during Fall. The rustic colors of the wooden rails and the red hues of fall foliage was just perfect for a picture. I didn't hike here but made sure I stopped first thing in the morning to get some pictures.
Fishing and Swimming:
Given how large the lake is there is so much time that could be spent on fishing and swimming. For obvious reasons, I did not dip my feet in chilly waters and fishing is not my cup of tea but I have heard from several other campers on how much they enjoy fishing at this Cleburne State Park.
I headed out first thing in the morning after taking pictures as I was heading to Dinosaur Valley State Park for a second visit.
Eatouts: Taco T had some great vegetarian options and they were able to make custom tacos. What's best? One for breakfast, followed by a 4 mile hike followed by another taco, we were filled. Sooo good!
Nearby Attractions: Do stop by Dinosaur Valley State Park as it is just an hour's worth of drive from here. This place has good pre-historic traces and hikes with great view.
Cheers,
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