r/TexasStateParks

Just got back from scouting Post Oak Ridge State Park in Lampasas County on opening week. Since there isn't much info or crowd-sourced trail data out there yet, wanted to share a first-look field report for anyone planning to book a reservation.

The Basics:
• Day-use only right now ($2 entry, advance reservation required via TPWD).
• You receive an automated gate code in your confirmation email for the security gate on CR 105.
• Once through the gate, it’s a 2.5-mile unpaved, crushed limestone road to the trailhead loop. Easily passable in a standard 2WD sedan, just dusty.
• There is NO potable water and NO electricity on site yet (vault toilets only). Pack in every ounce of hydration. Cell service is limited to nonexistent across the ridge.

The River Overlook Trail (2.2 miles):
It starts as a wide caliche service road that descends fairly steeply toward the bluffs. While it’s mostly open double-track with significant sun exposure, the payoff at the rim is legitimately impressive. The trail ends at circular stone overlook pads sitting high above the Colorado River canyon.

The highlight is a direct sightline across the gorge to Post Oak Falls—a massive travertine/limestone formation that looks completely alien for Central Texas. There is currently no direct water access down to the river, but the canyon views from the bluffs earn the hike.

I documented the full 4-mile route, trail friction, and road conditions on video for anyone wanting a visual walkthrough before heading out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWmg5yLss7c&list=PLDqztRjj27zZn5ftp4yk6xpnmLILTAxie

Following up on yesterday's River Overlook post with a look at Post Oak Ridge’s second trail: Whispering Oaks (1.7 miles).

While the river rim gets most of the attention for the canyon views, the inland side has a completely different feel:

• The Terrain: The first mile is wide, flat double-track caliche through post oak savanna (feels very similar to the new trail expansion on the backside of Enchanted Rock).
• The "Lollipop" Loop: The trail terminates in a loop marked as "Challenging Terrain." This is easily the best hiking on this route; tighter single-track, cedar corridors, and stepped limestone shelves you actually have to scramble up.
• Springs: Keep an eye out for karst limestone fissures in the dry creek bed. I found stagnant water trapped deep in rock cracks, which appears to be the only natural water source for wildlife out on the ridge right now (there is zero potable water in the park, so pack in everything you need).
• Active Construction: The spur trail leading to the Whispering Oaks overlook was still blocked off with construction signage during opening week, so trail building is definitely ongoing.

If you want a full visual walkthrough of both trails, road conditions, and the river bluffs before booking your $2 day pass, I filmed the full scouting trek here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWmg5yLss7c&list=PLDqztRjj27zZn5ftp4yk6xpnmLILTAxie