If you love history and nature, you’ll enjoy this short and easy hike to the Fort Lancaster Ruins out in Sheffield, Texas. Out here, all you’ve got is the natural beautiful landscape we love and the history in the very ground we walk. Bookmark this short-and- sweet trail for a future day trek adventure in Texas.

Welcome to a scenic hiking trail with a side of history. Here you'll learn about Fort Lancaster, the ruins that dot this scenic hike. These crumbling rocks have history, and we're here to appreciate it.
Jack Tatsch/AllTrails
The historic site covers 82 acres of the Pecos River valley, where Fort Lancaster held a post. Its remains can still be seen today, but have been slowly worn down over time. By visiting, you're seeing a snapshot of this ruin's journey to becoming flat ground again.
Jack Tatsch/AllTrails
It was built in the 1850s, and though there were once over 30 buildings here, the rubble and chimney that's left only leaves behind the floor plan.
Jack Tatsch/AllTrails

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The loop trail is 1.5 miles long, and doesn't have much of an elevation gain either. There are van-accessible parking spaces, but all-terrain or motorized wheels are recommended for the dirt and gravel trail.
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site Facebook
For the sites themselves, there is a first-come first-serve golf cart available to tour closer to the ruins area.
Comparing photos from over the years, you can see the slow crumble of the remaining structures. By visiting, your photos are added to the timeline of this ever-changing ruin.
Jack Tatsch/AllTrails
Make sure that even though this trail isn't lush or full of trees, you still keep the area clean and never leave anything behind. We take care of our trails so they last for future generations to come. Happy hiking!
Casey Richardson/AllTrails

If you’d like to check out the trail map, local weather forecast, or reviews from hikers, visit the Fort Lancaster State Historic Site Trail AllTrails page.

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Featured Addresses
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site, 629 Lancaster Rd, Sheffield, TX 79781, USA