Cross Timbers Trail
Exploring the Crosstimber Trail offers hikers a glimpse to an ancient Western Cross Timber forest that once extended from southern Kansas into North Central Texas. This 3.37 round-trip trail has views of the West Fork of the Trinity River, the Lotus Marsh, and 250+ year old trees. The trail is accessible to hikers from the Crosstimbers parking lot or by hiking on the Riverbottom Trail.
The journey begins as visitors cross the man-made bridge that separates the re-routed river channel from the marshland that once was the historic flow of the Trinity River. Along the streamside, the riparian bottomland forest contains tall trees species such as Pecan, Bur Oak, Eastern Cottonwood, and American Elm. Beaver chews, basking turtles, and wading birds are common wildlife encounters along the levee portion of this trail.
As you distance yourself from the river, the trail becomes sandy. This indicates a gradual transition from the bottomland forest into the Western Cross Timbers woods. The dominant species of trees are Post Oaks and Blackjack Oaks. The trail continues along the edge of Todd Island; which is an upland island surrounded by marshland and sloughs. Under the dappled sunlight, pockets of prairies are available. This ancient forest is known for its sightings of Wild Turkey, Virginia Opossum, Bobcat, and Nine-banded Armadillo. If you enjoy secluded hikes, the Crosstimbers Trail will not disappoint.