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The Caprock Trail is a short, but technical, trail with steep climbs traversing the ledge around the visitor center.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

Point to Point

690' 210 m

High

649' 198 m

Low

44' 13 m

Up

42' 13 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildlife

Refuge Hours:
Winter (Oct-Apr): 8 AM - 5 PM
Summer Weekdays (May-Sept): 7 AM - 5 PM
Summer Weekends (May-Sept): 7 AM - 7 PM

Hardwicke Interpretive Center
Year round 9 AM - 4:30 PM
$5 Adults (13-64)
$2 Children (3-12, under 3 FREE)
$3 Seniors (65+)
$1 Discount per person (with Military ID-Active/Retired)

For more information, visit the park's website.

Description

This is a short, yet fun, trail behind the interpretive center offering elevation changes and scenic views. There are several trails that branch off of the Caprock Trail so keep a lookout for the shellfish icon for this trail. It's not a difficult trail, however there are two technical staircases that will require some attention. These stairs date back to the 1930's and were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.

There are also two benches along this trail to rest your feet and view the wildlife. The Caprock Trail starts on a limestone ridge then switches back and forth through the woods. Check out the rocks closely as you'll see fossilized shellfish dating back millions of years ago when this area was underwater.

Flora & Fauna

Local plants surround the trail consist of a mixture of grasses, cactus, yucca, with some oak trees, cedars, and Greenbrier. Keep an eye out for small mammals such as foxes and armadillos and woodpeckers.

Contacts

Shared By:

Wes Atchison

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#25808

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#599

in Texas

#25,808

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3 Views Last Month
352 Since Jan 30, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

This is one of two 1930's staircases on the Caprock Trail carved from local limestone by the Civilian Conservation Corps (a work-relief program in operation during the Great Depression).
Jan 30, 2017 near Lakeside, TX
Fossilized shellfish are numerous in the limestone along the Caprock Trail.
Jan 30, 2017 near Lakeside, TX
Ancient water flows carved the rock in this area, creating some nice elevation change and scenic views.
Jan 30, 2017 near Lakeside, TX
Limestone ledges make for good hiking and scenery. Watch your step!
Jan 30, 2017 near Lakeside, TX
Local birders check out the area's attractions out over the valley. Woodpeckers, blue jays, and cardinals provide frequent company to walks on this trail.
Jan 30, 2017 near Lakeside, TX
An informative kiosk is situated on the trail with good info on this ancient landscape.
Jan 30, 2017 near Lakeside, TX
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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 53 days ago
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May 12, 2019
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Apr 15, 2018
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