Penitentiary Hollow via Red Waterfront Trail

Mineral Wells, TX
4.9
7 Reviews
Penitentiary Hollow via Red Waterfront Trail
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Details

Distance
1.44 miles
Elevation Gain
249 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Dog Friendly
Scenic
Family Friendly
Groups
Lake
Forest
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About this place

Added by Korey Taylor

Hike the 1.5 mile Red Waterfront Trail on the Eastern shore of the beautiful Lake Mineral Wells to the unique Penitentiary Hollow. Here you'll find four huge Elm trees shooting out of the rocky canyon floor.

Lake Mineral Wells is one of the closest state parks in the area located less than an hour and a half from Dallas and only 45 minutes from Fort Worth. It sits in the heart of cattle country and offers several outdoor adventures.

The trail starts from the Eastern parking lot and heads straight towards the water before it bears to the right and follows along the shore. There are several docks that lead off of the trail over the water that provide a great view of the entire lake. After .52 miles you will reach Penitentiary Hollow- a unique geological feature that resembles a small canyon. Inside the hollow are four huge Elm trees that grow out of the rocky floor and offer a spectacular sight to walk among.

This is a perfect day trip from the DFW area, but there are tons of established campgrounds as well primitive sites if you want to make it an overnight trip!

Lake Mineral Wells State Park Map

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Em Roth
6/30/2022
Easy to moderate hike along the water’s edge
This is one of my favorite DFW adjacent State Parks, and it’s primarily because of this trail. There is plenty of parking at the ...
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G Shuping
8/25/2018
Waterfront trail.
Really nice hike. Great state park with nice campsites.
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J Kirk
12/12/2017
Great Place
Was just here two days ago, even during the winter the hollow was beautiful and offered some great hiking. Saw a few people rock ...
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Jason Godwin
11/22/2017
Excellent day trip from Fort Worth
Lake Mineral Wells is an excellent day trip from Fort Worth. The drive is about an hour (depending where in FW you are coming ...
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Chloe Joy
10/3/2017
Adventure Fun
This was really fun and if you take a adventure themed vacation down there you will love it!
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Rosa Perham
4/9/2017
If you're going to go, grab a rope and some climbing gear!
Essentially the only climbing area near Dallas, Mineral Wells is a worthwhile drive to get some top-roping in. This easy approach is just down ...
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Stephanie Hampton
8/8/2016
Loved it
Just did this hike this weekend and I loved it. I will be back soon .
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