The Paluxy River Walk in Glen Rose, TX
Most Texans know about the beautiful San Antonio River Walk (which is not to be missed,) but did you know there’s another charming Texas river walk located in Glen Rose?
Glen Rose, Texas, also known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” is located about an hour southwest of Fort Worth. The city’s pretty riverside walkway runs along the Paluxy River connecting Big Rocks Park to Paluxy Heritage Park. (Yes, this is the same river with the prehistoric dinosaur tracks! See Dinosaur Valley State Park for more.)
You can park at either location (Big Rocks or Heritage Park.) The river trail is an easy stroll, and less than a mile long.
1014 SW Barnard St.
*8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
CVB (254) 897-308
Big Rocks Park is named after, you guessed it, the BIG rocks! The boulders are large enough to climb making this a fun place to visit year-round, and during the warm season kids will love cooling off in the shallow river.
(To access the river walk, you will cross at the low water dam.)
Heritage Park:
Paluxy Heritage Park is another great city park. It has a playground for the kids, plenty of shade for a rest or picnic, and a collection of Somervell County historical buildings on display to view as you walk through the park.
QUICK TIP: Historic downtown Glen Rose is walking distance from Heritage Park. See the town square, and maybe grab a slice of the “Best Pie in Texas.”
Things you should know:
The River Walk is lighted and looks beautiful during the day and at night.
Both parks are free to the public, but have limited parking and Big Rocks parking lot fills quickly on summer weekends.
*It is a good idea to call ahead to Big Rocks Park to confirm they are open. They will close if the water level is too high or for temporary government requirements.
But wait, there’s more!
If you enjoy a more urban riverwalk experience (similar to the one in San Antonio,) considered checking out 2 spots in the DFW area.
Mandalay Canal Walk is located in Las Colinas, a picturesque development in Irving, TX. The Venetian inspired canal walk is complete with hotels, shops, restaurants, stand up paddleboarding, and even gondola rides.
Saunders Park is another well-kept secret located directly behind some of the shops and restaurants in the Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s a serene little walkway along Marine Creek. A new development is under construction adjacent to this area, so it will probably be less hidden in the near future. Look for the up-and-coming Mule Alley, to include trendy shops and restaurants and a brewery with a patio overlooking the creek.
Know of any other great river walks in Texas? Comment below.
