Fort Parker State Park includes 1458.8 acres (758.8 land acres and a 700 acre lake); between Mexia and Groesbeck, in Limestone County. Located within this park is a 1 mile, multi-use trail for hiking and mountain bike riding.

The trail will provide access to the area's fauna and flora. Frequently seen in the park are bluebird, duck, heron, migratory waterfowl, coyote, raccoon, squirrel, and bobcat. Moreover for plant lovers, Fort Parker State Park has a wonderful wildflower display that, depending on the species, begins blooming around early March and continues until around June. As you enter the park both sides of Park Road 28 have blooms of Indian blanket, Diamond petal primrose, Texas bluebonnet, Standing cypress (in early summer), Evening primrose, Winecup, and Bullnettle. The Headquarters building has Baby blue eyes, Erect dayflower, Turk's cap, Blue salvia, Texas bluebonnet, and Horsemint. The picnic area has Ladies tresses(in the fall), baby blue eyes, Erect dayflower, and Evening primrose. The camping area has Turk's cap. Fort Parker State Park planted a Native Prairie Demonstration Site near the dump station. It is located across from historic Springfield Cemetery about .3 miles down the park road from the headquarters. It is planted with native grasses and wildflowers that grow in this particular region and soils. Wildflowers in the Native Prairie Demonstration Site include Texas bluebonnet, vetch, Partridge pea, Prairie larkspur, and Baby blue eyes.

Directions: From Mexia, TX, Travel 7 miles south or 6 miles north of Groesbeck on State Highway 14. The entrance is on Park Road 28.

Elevation: 534 feet

Distance: 1 miles

Difficulty: Easy

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