7 Ways To Enjoy Tyler State Park in Tyler, Texas
Dating to the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps built the park, this serene oasis lies 10 miles north of Tyler, TX, making it an easy getaway to enjoy a wide variety of activities. Read on for seven ways to enjoy Tyler State Park.
In This Article
Hike
The 13 miles of Tyler State Park trails include the Whispering Pines Nature Trail, a three-quarter-mile roundtrip trek through mixed hardwood-pine woodland. The Blackjack Nature Trail is short and great for kids, while more experienced hikers will appreciate the 3.1-mile B Loop Trail.
Run
Experience the Piney Woods Ultra at the start of the fall season. Choose from 5K, 10K, 25K or 50K trail races through the beautiful 100-foot-tall pine forests. Afterward, jump in the lake for a refreshing cooldown. Participants are awarded a race shirt and custom medal to commemorate their accomplishments.
Float
A sparkling 64-acre spring-fed lake is the park’s centerpiece. You can bring a kayak or rent on-site. The park also offers canoes, standup paddleboards, paddleboats and johnboats. Motors are allowed with a 5 mph speed limit. The park also loans fishing gear and no license is required.
Camp
With more than 100 campsites, there are numerous overnight options. Many sites are full hookup with electricity, water, sewer, picnic tables and fire rings. The park also has affordable cabins with nearby restrooms and showers.
Learn
A new headquarters recently opened, built in the style of the property’s other CCC buildings. An interpretive gallery details the park’s history while various educational programs on hiking, fishing, wildlife and astronomy are held throughout the year.
Visit
Discover enriching experiences at Tyler State Park by attending various events. Check the park’s event page for opportunities like Art in the Park, where you can unleash your creativity in nature. Learn about local wildlife during Creepy Crawlies programs, or gaze at the stars during a captivating Star Party. These events offer residents unique ways to engage with the beauty in their own backyard.
Explore
The CCC restored the park to its natural state and today, 75- to 100-year-old pines make up the dense forest called “Pineywoods” in East Texas. There are hardwoods, too, such as oak, sweetgum and maple, which offer brilliant fall color. The many wildflowers and grasses attract butterflies, insects and over 200 species of birds. Deer, fox, opossum, armadillo and a variety of reptiles are here, too.