Many Texas State Parks have a lot of history within them and Mission Tejas is no exception. From the Spanish influence of the 1600s to the Civilian Conservation Corps contribution to the park in the 1930s. You can experience it all on this history-filled day hike.
History Hiking Guide
While this park may be one of the smallest in Texas, it’s always good to know where to start. Upon arrival, ask for a TRAIL MAP and make your way to the electric camping area. Here you can park your vehicle and begin your journey. In total, the hike consists of several sights and trails and is between 2.5 and 3 miles in length.
The Mission
Your first stop is the mission. A small parking area is where you have left your vehicle and now it’s time to look around. This mission was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 to honor the original Spanish mission that was built in the 1690s. Keep an eye out for these things:
- Hatchet Latch on door
- Star in floor
- Tree in floor
- Twisted crane in fireplace
- Eagle (or Angel) above mantle
- Log Cabin characteristics
Once you’re done at the mission, make your way to the right toward the bathrooms. Just passed them is where you can get on the Karl Lovett Trail.
Fire Tower Hill
You’ll hike about a half a mile on this trail, passing a bird blind on the way. After a bit of elevation gain, you’ll arrive at Fire Tower Hill. There used to be a watch tower here to help spot wild fires in neighboring Davy Crocket National Forest. It’s sadly no longer there, but you can still see what remains. Continue on until you come to the road and cross the street. This may look familiar as it is close to the entrance of the park.
Rice Family Log Home
Just passed the entrance and visitor center, take a short trail through the woods and arrive at the Rice Family Log Cabin. This home was built in the late 1820s. Admire the craftsmanship as you walk around. There is an interpretive guide that you can get at the visitor center if you want to know every tiny detail. Ask for one when you get your map.
This Texas State Park was not the original location of the home. It was donated to the park in 1973 and moved shortly after. From here, you should be able to see the trail sign for the Big Pine Trail. Head down it for a quarter of a mile.
CCC Bathtubs
Take a right onto the Steep Step Trail from Big Pine and make your way up the steps. It’s quite an experience. Then, a right on Olen Matchett Trail and another right on CCC Bathtub Trail. The trail signs in the park are wonderful. There are many CCC Bathtub signs as it is a popular interest point in the park. Once on the CCC Trail, you’ll arrive at the bathtubs rather quickly. Not much is known about this area. Many believe it wasn’t used for bathing at all. The place where the CCC lived was over a mile away and had bathing options close by. Still, it’s very interesting to look in the area. Continue along the trail until you reach Cemetery Hill Trail and walk for about a tenth of a mile.
Sentry Pine
Next take a left on Olen Matchett Trail and then an immediate right. After a tenth of a mile, this trail turns into Lightning Trail. After a quarter of a mile, you’ll arrive at Sentry Pine. It’s one of the oldest trees in the park. Being kept safe by the watchful eyes from the tower and now the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Continue on until you reach Cemetery Hill Trail again and take a left; then a right on Tejas Timber Trail. You’ll hike a half mile, pass a pond, and then arrive at the group camping area and playground. From here, you’ll have to walk along the road for about a quarter mile as you make your way back to where you parked your vehicle. Once off the trail and on the road, continue straight until you come to the main road, take a right, and then a left back into the electric camping area (where your vehicle is).
El Camino Real
Your vehicle is in sight, but before you leave take the San Pedro Spur trail to the left of the mission (the opposite way of the bathroom). Go down the trail and take a right on Nabedache Loop and look for signs for El Camino Real. A road system from Mexico to Louisiana was built by the Spanish in the 1600s. You can see a part of this ‘Royal Road’ here. Return the way you came and back to your vehicle. Your history-filled day hike is now complete.
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Mission Tejas State Park, Texas State Parks, or Texas Parks and Wildlife.
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