Dinosaur Valley State Park
This Texas park holds true to its name with some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world.
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When the Paluxy River cut its path through the hills near Ft. Worth a million years ago, it unearthed some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world. More than 7 miles of trail meander through the park, leading you to the riverbed to see the tracks, and into the hills and limestone bluffs surrounding the river. Watch for rare songbirds like the golden-cheek warbler. Backcountry camping is permitted. Call ahead for permits and to check river levels.
drive time: Ft. Worth: 1 hour
guides:Hiking Texas, by Laurence Parent ($13). A free map is available at the park visitor center.
contact: Dinosaur Valley State Park, (254) 897-4588; www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/dinosaur