By JimmyBaer on May 02, 2010
I rode this trail with a friend of mine last summer. It was an adventure to say the least. Went with only one bottle of water and ran out at the 16 mile marker. We decided to turn back at that point and everything from that that point got worse. I could not find any water on the way back. I got to the point where I was looking at drinking the water from a marsh pond. But was warned not to by my frantic and worried friend. We then approached some shade of trees and I took a break. I started to fade away and black out and then came to when my friend snapped me up and kept me from drifting off. I started looking at the berries in the tree shrubs and actually attempted to eat one then quickly spit it out after it's rancid taste made my mouth even more dry. I found my emergency energy gel and ate it. It picked me up after a couple minutes and I was able to pedal back 5 more miles to the trail head where my friend had a ice chest full of drinks and refreshmants. That was the best dang drink I ever drank. The one thing I learned is to never go to any trail without plenty of water. The parks department really needs to consider putting in a water fountain at least halfway down the trail. I could have died but I cannot blame that on anyone but myself. Of course that Texas heat can also be a sunnovabiscuit during the Summer. Other than that the trail was fun.
By will2121 on November 08, 2009
In Lake Mineral Wells State Park, not trailway, there is a multiuse trail but it certainly isn't worth the ride. It is about 4 miles long and consists of sand, rock shelf, and grass. There were lots of horses when I was there but very few bikes. If, however you want to make a day of it you can start at the Weatherford trailhead, GPS coordinates already posted, turn at the 14 mile mark into the state park, and ride over to the multiuse trail. If you ride the multiuse then get back on the trailway to Mineral Wells and then bike back to Weatherford you will end up with a 50 mile ride.
GPS Coordinates:
Multiuse trail N 32 50.061' W 098 02.178
State Park Entrance N 32 48.762 W 098 02.596
Minerals Wells Trailhead N 32 48.378 W 098 06.836
Drop me a line at marshall212@yahoo.com if I can answer any questions.
By will2121 on November 01, 2009
I was on the trail yesterday and a few updates. First, there is some water available at a few of the trailheads. Garner has water for sure and that is about halfway. Second, new GPS coordinates (dismiss the coordinates in my previous post) 32 47.004 and 97 49.661. At the 14 mile mark you can go off the trail to Lake Mineral Wells. Nice little side trip. There are trails in the Mineral Wells State Park but they were closed yesterday due to all the rain we have had. Also, at the 14 mile mark there is a sign that says the trailway is closed due to water damage. That sign has been up for at least 8 months and it is a shame they haven't done anything about the water damage. No matter, just drag your bike under the barrier and continue. There is a place where you will need to walk your bike but no big deal. Finally, remember there is a day use frr of $5.00. Have fun