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An unexpected wonder where you travel over and around fields of rocks and boulders.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.2

KM

92%

Runnable

964' 294 m

High

872' 266 m

Low

92' 28 m

Up

83' 25 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildlife

Penitentiary Hollow does close when there is any notable rainfall to reduce wear and erosion on the already popular area. Signage is posted at the gate upon entrance to the park as well as at the northern parking lot at the entrance to the area. All restrictions or alerts can be viewed at the park's website.

Runner Notes

Not recommended for trail running as there are infinite trip and fall hazards at every step.

Description

You can begin your journey at either end of this trail. It is a bit easier to navigate if you start on the southern end of the trail as outlined in this description.

If starting from the northern end, by Penitentiary Hollow, it can be difficult to get on the actual trail as there are lots of climbing trail offshoots throughout this area. When starting from the southern parking area, you follow the trail quickly down a fairly steep grade over many rocks of all sizes. Utilize the red trail markers to find your way.

Once at the bottom of the hill, the trail will head north and follow the shoreline of the lake, so close at times you almost feel like you might actually get wet. The trail surface is mostly rock laden, but does have some mixed hard pack intertwined here and there. The best advice for this short, but challenging run is to pay attention to foot placement or you'll likely take a tumble. Also keep your eyes peeled for the red trail markers to ensure that you don't end up off trail at one of the many climbing areas.

Overall, this is the most enjoyable short trail you'll likely find within hours of here. It is home to some great rock formations and holds surprises around every corner.

Flora & Fauna

While mapping this trail, no snakes where observed, but rest assured they are present with so many rocks to hide under. Again, the best advice is not to get in a hurry and look where you are stepping to avoid any encounters with the serpent population.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Shuttlesworth

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 5 votes

#11531

Overall
  4.0 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#229

in Texas

#11,531

Overall
7 Views Last Month
1,114 Since May 12, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Steps to the trail
Apr 21, 2019 near Mineral…, TX
Looking into the climbing area
Apr 21, 2019 near Mineral…, TX
Down the trail to the lake
Apr 21, 2019 near Mineral…, TX
Enjoy pleasant views of Lake Mineral Wells from the trail.
May 15, 2017 near Mineral…, TX
This is just one of the many climbing areas that make up this area. This photo doesn't provide the proper scale to illustrate the size of these walls.
May 12, 2017 near Mineral…, TX
On the lake
Apr 21, 2019 near Mineral…, TX

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