The Brutal Reality of Palo Pinto: Tucker Lake & Cross Timbers

The massive 22-mile run-and-gun hike through Texas newest backcountry starts right now. This cinematic guide dives straight into the rugged terrain of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, capturing the raw exhaustion and heavy breathing of a brutal day hike with zero voiceovers to interrupt the experience. Starting from the Tucker Lake parking area just outside the historic coal town of Strawn, Texas, the route kicks off along the water. The hike navigates the southern edge on Ben's Trail, loops up the Tucker Lake Trail, and knocks out the Buttonbush out-and-back. But the flat ground does not last. Leaving the lakeside behind, the trail forces a grueling 2-mile climb straight up the Cross Timbers canyon. This ecoregion is famous for being the harsh transitional zone where dense eastern forests collide with rugged western plains, and this steep ascent proves exactly why. Experience the authentic, live-action push up the rocky canyon and the quick descent back down the Connecting Trail for a mid-point battery swap before Phase 2 into the western frontier begins. Thanks for watching, and make sure to join us on our next adventure! SOCIAL: TWITTER: https://twitter.com/adventurewithbg INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/adventureswithbg FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/adventureswithbg BLOG: http://adventureswithbg.com #palopintomountainsstatepark #texashiking #crosstimbers #tuckerlake #texasstateparks #solohiking #strawntexas #hikingtexas #trailrunningtexas #texasoutdoors