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Hike the Meridian State Park Bosque and Shinnery Trails

Why you should do the Bosque and Shinnery trails at Meridian State Park

To get a full-fledge shady hiking experience in Texas, you can't beat Meridian State Park. I hiked the Bosque Loop and the Shinnery Ridge trails on a Tuesday morning and afternoon. The day started out cloudy but by about noon most of the clouds had burned off. Both trails offer ample shade.

The Bosque Loop trail is quite a bit more technically challenging than the Shinnery Ridge trail so I was glad I had tackled it first. What do I mean by technically challenging? Almost immediately there were gentle hills followed later on by some steep, gnarly rock climbs. 

Some of the rocky climbs were improved by stone steps built into the grade. Along this trail you will cross three bridges, two roads, see a magnificent stone building and cross an earthen dam. 

The Shinnery Ridge Nature Trail (it's official name) is different. Taking it on counterclockwise, you start on a long slow, gradual climb and then level out. For most of the trail you are twisting and turning through an Ashe Juniper forest so it is shadier than the Bosque trail. The first portion is paved for a third of a mile, making it accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

This is a pleasant trail with the occasional bench where you can take a few moments in silence and enjoy the flora. I didn't see any fauna during my hike although there was a noisy bird that seemed to be over curious about me.

These two trails are quite different and except for the fact they both have a lot of shade, you might feel like you've hiked at two different parks. All in all they are a wonderful way to spend a hiking day.

Deciduous trees on the Bosque Loop trail.
The Bosque Loop Trail on the western side of the lake has many deciduous trees mixed in with the Ashe Juniper.



Bosque Loop stream under bridge.
You cross a stream with a stone bottom as you make your way on the Bosque Loop west side.

One of three Bosque Trail bridges.
One of the three bridges. This one crosses the stream shown above.

Rugged rock cliff on the Bosque Loop Trail
A scene after you climb a steep rocky trail portion on the northeastern part of the Bosque Loop trail.


Trail's entrance and accessibility
Beginning of the paved portion of the Shinnery Ridge Nature trail.

Ashe Junipers on the Shinnery Ridge Trail.
The Ashe Juniper forest that is typical all through the Shinnery Ridge trail.


Read my reviews and get more trail details on All Trails

Bosque Loop: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-bosque-hiking-trail-0bf727e?u=i&sh=cq0fzi


Shinnery Ridge: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-shinnery-ridge-nature-trail-894db62?u=i&sh=cq0fzi


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Location: Meridian State Park, 173 Park Road #7, Meridian, TX 76665, USA

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