Fossil Ridge Loop (Cleburne State Park) Hiking Guide
Cleburne State Park was built between 1935 and 1940 by a Civilian Conservation Corps company that dammed a spring-fed valley into Cedar Lake and carved a stepped spillway by hand. The Fossil Ridge Trail is one of three trails here that TPWD rates challenging, an up-and-down route along the park boundary through cedar brakes and over limestone, and AllTrails maps the popular perimeter loop built on it.
Permit: Cleburne State Park charges $6 per person per day for visitors 13 and older; 12 and under enter free. The $70 Texas State Parks Pass waives daily entry for a year. TPWD says the park often reaches capacity and highly recommends a day-pass reservation, online or at (512) 389-8900.
Route and Numbers
TPWD lists the Fossil Ridge Trail itself at 2.5 miles one way, about an hour and a half, and rates it challenging. The AllTrails Fossil Ridge Loop, which closes the circuit around the perimeter, is 4.2 miles with about 440 feet of gain. TPWD suggests extending it by linking the Camp Creek Loop, a 1.1-mile walk past bur oaks to the CCC's Camp Creek Bridge, or the 1.1-mile Coyote Run Nature Trail, which crosses limestone hilltops with views over the lake.
The Spillway Detour
Coyote Run connects to the Spillway Trail, 0.7 mile one way, which TPWD calls the best view of the three-tiered spillway that CCC Company 3804 carved out of Comanche Peak limestone. After a good rain it pours like a waterfall, which makes the day after a storm worth the trip if the trails are open. Nearby, the Limestone Ridge and Inner Loop trails twist along rugged cliffs; TPWD warns hikers get disoriented on them and suggests carrying a compass or GPS.
Bikes, Shade and Footing
Every trail here is open to both hikers and mountain bikers unless posted otherwise, and the park's technical wooded trails form a 6-mile mountain bike loop, so expect riders on the ridge. AllTrails describes frequent shade and several small viewpoints along the perimeter. The footing is hardscrabble limestone and loose rock, and TPWD reminds visitors that harmful plants and animals live off trail, so stay on the tread.
Entry and the Lake
Day entry is $6 for anyone 13 or older and free for younger kids. The park often fills, and TPWD recommends reserving a day pass to guarantee entry. Cedar Lake is 116 acres, with a swimming beach, bank fishing trails and no-wake boating. The park entrance is at 5800 Park Road 21 in Cleburne.
Dogs and Hot Days
Dogs may come on a leash of 6 feet or less, but state park rules keep them out of the water and off the land around the designated swim beach. TPWD tells hikers to prepare for sun and heat and to carry about a quart of water for each hour on the trail, which for this loop means at least two quarts per person and some for the dog.
Hiking tips for Fossil Ridge Loop (Cleburne State Park)
- Reserve a day pass ahead; TPWD says the park often reaches capacity.
- Add the Spillway Trail after rain to see the CCC spillway running.
- Bring a GPS track if you branch onto the Limestone Ridge or Inner Loop trails.
- Yield to mountain bikes on the shared boundary trail.
- Keep dogs off the swim beach; state rules bar pets there.
Nearby trails to explore
- Limestone Ledge Trail (Dinosaur Valley)
- Cedar Brake Outer Loop (Dinosaur Valley)
- Talala Trail (Cedar Hill State Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Cleburne's ridge loop is a good first state-park hike for a new group. Use TrailMates to find Dallas-Fort Worth hikers heading to Cleburne State Park. Download the TrailMates app to connect.