Possum Kingdom Trails: Hiking, Mountain Biking, ATV and More!




Possum Kingdom Lake is a unique lake with an iconic landscape, that offers incredible hiking and fantastic views. On the cusp of West Texas, you can expect variety in terrain, hills, bluffs and plenty of wildlife.

These trails are open year round, and the immediate list below are all free. Dogs are welcome on a leash on the following trails, and some trails have posted rules. Alcohol is not permitted. Common wildlife sightings include deer, wild turkey, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, fox, and an occasional bobcat.

The trails also feature rest areas with cedar benches and  information displays about history, geology and animals of the area. The trail system was made possible by the Brazos River Authority through grants from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The Possum Kingdom Hike and Bike Trail Phase I and II

The Possum Kingdom Hike and Bike Trail Phase I and II is a moderately trafficked loop trail located on a peninsula that stretches out into the middle of Possum Kingdom Lake. You can get to it from Graford, Texas, on SH 254 west, then Park Road 36 east. 

This trail is a 16-mile hike and mountain bike trail and located off LaVilla Road, Park Road 36 and Burma Road. You find it from Graford, Texas, on 254 The trail winds through wooded areas, limestone canyons and the trails peak over 350 feet above the lake.

Johnson Peak Loop

Johnson Peak Loop is east of and joins Possum Kingdom Hike and BikeTrail. You can get to it from Graford, Texas, on SH 254 west, then Park Road 36 east until it forks. Take the Park Road 36 south fork/left fork to the trailhead.

This trail is 4.8 miles long and is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. It takes you to Johnson Peak  with an elevation gain of 501 feet.

Possum Kingdom Trails Phase III

Possum Kingdom Trails Phase III is west of Johnson Peak Trail.  You can get to it from Graford, Texas, on SH 254 west, then Park Road 36 east until it forks. Take the Park Road 36 west fork/right fork to the trailhead. It is 6.6 miles long with an elevation gain of  544 feet.

Possum Kingdom Trails Phase III is a 6.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail rated moderate with an elevation gain of 566 feet. This trail offers great birding, wildlife viewing opportunities, and natural scenery.

Brazos River Trail

The Brazos River Trail is located at 401 Red Bluff Road, southwest of Graford, Texas, at the Brazos River Authority (BRA) # 7 River Park south of the Morris Sheppard Dam on the southeastern shores of Possum Kingdom Lake.

This trail is challenging. People use this trail for hiking and fishing. It follows the Brazos River south, and it is difficult to climb down to the river. There are restrooms, picnic tables in the park, and a large parking lot.

West Side Park

West Side Park/ BRA #8 West Side Park has a 0.25-mile trail 5465 at FM 1148 on the northwestern shores of Possum Kingdom Lake. From Graham, Texas, take SH 16 south to FM 1148 east, and follow FM 1148 to the West Side Park boat ramp. The park has a handicap accessible restroom, parking, and picnic tables at the campground.

Scenic Cove Campground

The Scenic Cove Campground/BRA Area #1 at 3401 Scenic Point Road has a handicap accessible restroom, parking, and picnic tables at the campground. It offers a hiking and mountain biking trail. From Graford, Texas, take SH 254 east to SH 16 east to Park Road 36, then left on Lavilla Road, and then left on Scenic Point Road.

Follow Scenic Point Road past the recreation area to the trailhead. This park offers a handicap accessible restroom, parking, a designated swim area, a playground and picnic tables at the campground.


Possum Kingdom State Park Hiking Trails with Fees

Possum Kingdom Lakeview Loop

This loop charges a fee. Possum Kingdom Lakeview Loop is a 1.5-mile lightly trafficked loop trail located in the Possum Kingdom State Park on the western shores of Possum Kingdom Lake. This trail features lake views, is open year round, and is good for all skill levels.

The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching.  Dogs are welcome on a leash.  You can find the state park from Graham, Texas, on SH 16 south, then south on FM 1287, then FM 1148, then south on FM 3253, then west on State Park Road 33.

Longhorn Loop

Longhorn Loop is a 1.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located In Possum Kingdom State Park. You can find the state park from Graham, Texas, on SH 16 south, then south on FM 1287, then FM 1148, then south on FM 3253, then west on State Park Road 33. It offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. Hikers use this trail for hiking, walking, nature trips, wildlife viewing, and bird watching.

Chaparral Ridge Trail Loop

Chaparral Ridge Trail Loop is a 0.7-mile lightly trafficked loop trail rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are welcome on a leash. You can find the state park from Graham, Texas, on SH 16 south, then south on FM 1287, then FM 1148, then south on FM 3253, then west on State Park Road 33.


Possum Kingdom Lake ATV Trails

Possum Kingdom Lake does not offer ATV trails.


Possum Kingdom Trail Maps

Possum Kingdom Lake trail maps are free and easy to get. The Brazos River Authority will mail free Possum Kingdom Lake trail maps. Just email [email protected] with your address and ask for a Possum Kingdom Lake Trail map.


Possum Kingdom Lake Public Access Areas

Besides the hiking and biking trails listed above, the other public access areas on Possum Kingdom Lake are Downtown PK, North D&D, South D&D, and Sandy Beach. They offer various amenities.

Explore our map of boat ramps on our Possum Kingdom Lake Boat Ramps map

There are 400 tent camping sites in total around Possum Kingdom Lake and seven RV parks. There is something for everyone who enjoys outdoor adventures and watersports.




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Possum Kingdom Lake Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Possum Kingdom Lake Weather Forecast

Friday

Sunny

Hi: 57

Friday Night

Clear

Lo: 32

Saturday

Sunny

Hi: 62

Saturday Night

Clear

Lo: 41

Sunday

Partly Sunny

Hi: 66

Sunday Night

Mostly Cloudy

Lo: 53

Monday

Mostly Cloudy

Hi: 71

Monday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 53


Possum Kingdom Lake Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 12/21: 998.95 (-0.05)



Possum Kingdom Lake

Fishing Report from TPWD (Dec. 18)

GOOD. Water stained; 57 degrees; 0.04 feet below pool. Striped bass are fair in 20-40 feet of water with live bait. Your best bet is to just put baits in the water and slowly move around with the trolling motor until you find them. Keep in mind that we are approaching deadstick season. Sand bass are fair in 20-30 feet of water with live shad or small slabs and jigs. Live shad seems to produce a few more fish than artificial. White and silver are good colors, but white seems to be preferred. Catfish are still fair to good near Rock Creek Camp. Cut shad is producing good numbers of fish in 5-20 feet of water fished on or near the bottom. Water clarity is steady at 1-8 feet of visibility and slightly stained. Report by TJ Ranft, Ranft Guide Service. Bass are moving up with the lake level rising. Target points and drop-offs with Carolina rigs, chatterbaits, and jigs. Report by JK Outdoors Bass Fishing Guide.

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