Mission Tejas State Park offers great opportunities for the nearby metropolitan dweller seeking a reprieve from his urban jungle. This park is two and half hours from Dallas and just over two hours from Houston.

The park boast a rich history older than Texas. Portions of the Spanish El Camino Real de los Tejas bisect the park. The park itself was created in 1934 when local citizens purchased land to commemorate the Mission San Francisco de los Tejas. 888 men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enhanced the park through 1935.

Today, visitors can hike through eight and half miles of trials. Fish in the park's pond or on the banks of the San Pedro Creek (per TPWD website, a license is not required). There are great places to learn more about the history of the park, the trail, the CCC... (HQ was closed during my trip due to COVID-19, more to follow at a later date).

Resources:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mission-tejas