Most of us love being scared, even just a little. We love the adrenaline rush, the exhilaration of reading a scary story and feeling our hair stand on end as we frantically pull the covers over our head and listen to every minuscule sound around us. But that’s still operating in the realm of safety. There’s no real danger behind stories. There is, however, danger behind visiting places with violent histories…places where restless spirits lurk while waiting for innocent victims to enter their territory so they can take out their anger on all those who wronged them while they were still alive. There are plenty of such places in Texas, and we’ve come up with a list of eight of the most sinister (inspired by these haunted hikes found by Backpackerverse). You’ll find them on some of the best hikes in Texas. In fact, you may have even been to some of them and not even know it. If not, are you brave enough to pay them a visit? Take a look below to learn all about these eight haunted places in Texas.

1. Witch Mountain - Cedar Hill
Cedar Hill, TX, USA
Flickr/rknickme
Flickr/rknickme
If you stand at the bottom of the mountain and gaze upward, you'll see the single light of a wooden cabin illuminating the darkness. The sight of it will remind you of every horror movie you've ever seen and make your hair stand on end. The rational part of your brain will tell you not to go investigate it, but of course your curiosity gets the best of you. Upon climbing to the top, you'll come face to face with the abandoned and dilapidated barn...and three little girls. You'll try to talk to them, to ask them where their parents are, but the only response they'll give is a gesture motioning you to come closer. Will you listen?
2. White Rock Lake - Dallas
White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX, USA
Flickr/set_shot
This lake might be beautiful, but it has a somber history. One dark, stormy night in the early 1900s, a young woman was driving home from a party and decided to take a shortcut near the lake. She didn't see a particularly deep area of water until it was too late, and her car skidded out of control into the water. Her friend was able to escape before the vehicle was submerged, but she herself wasn't as fortunate. She drowned before help could arrive. Legend has it that if you drive on the very road her car spun out on, you'll see a lady in a white dress asking for a ride. If you decide to help her, beware. The last car in her memory is the one she died in, and she's very angry at her friend for not attempting to save her.
3. Mount Hope Cemetery - Anson
Mount Hope Cemetery, 17th St, Anson, TX 79501, USA
Flickr/texasbackroads
Anson is one of several cities in Texas plagued by an unexplained phenomena known as "ghost lights." Years ago, according to locals, the son of a townswoman went missing. She herself died trekking through the bitter cold searching for him. Apparently, if you hike through this cemetery at night, you'll see a spectral orb weaving through the gravestones as if it's looking for something in particular. Is it the ghost of the little boy's mother trying to find his name in the hopes that a good Samaritan found his body and buried it? Maybe you'll find out for yourself if you visit.
4. Shafter Lake - Andrews
Shafter Lake, Texas 79714, USA
Flickr/jstephenconn

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This lake off Highway 385 just might be one of the most sinister places in Texas. A smallpox epidemic ravaged the town of Andrews in the early 1900s, killing most of its population. Those remaining were desperate for a cure so they wouldn't meet the same awful demise. They were also too quick to accept advice from the town recluse who was presumed to be a witch. She gave them a recipe for an "antidote" of wild herbs which turned out to be a poisonous hallucinogen. Those who ingested it believed everyone else was out to get them, so they attacked other residents and gouged out their children's eyes. If you walk around the lake at night, you'll see the eyeless spirits of the children roaming the area in search of live souls with eyes to claim as their own. Will you be the next victim?
5. River Legacy Park - Arlington
701 NW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006, USA
Flickr/stevenm_61
The story of River Legacy Park is one of bloodshed and warfare. One of the trails here holds the somber memory of the hanging deaths of many Union soldiers by their Confederate rivals. They had to pass through a gate, which has been given the name "Hell's Gate," to reach the tree where their lives ended. Many visitors have reported feeling a heavy sadness laced with determination, like that of an Army man, on the very same trail. People have also claimed to have heard the sound of synchronized marching. This may not be a "scary" tale, but you might have the opportunity to see men who fought and died for our freedom so long ago if you choose to visit this park.
6. "The Hills" - Falfurrias
Falfurrias, TX 78355, USA
flickr/formulanone
According to folklore, a woman accused of witchcraft was hung on top of a hill near Falfurrias centuries ago. Her dying words proclaimed her innocence, and she swore to get revenge on all those who doubted her. The executioners said they saw a dark shadow escape from her body after she was pronounced dead. Nobody believed them, that is, until they scaled the hill themselves and saw a malevolent figure perched in the tree where the witch was killed. They felt a tightening sensation around their neck, akin to that of a noose. It was then that they knew the witch and her dying promise were real.
7. Soldiers' Waterhole - Rochelle
Rochelle, TX, USA
Flickr/wyldkyss
This waterhole has a story much like that of River Legacy Park. Back when Native Americans were still in charge of much of the Southern United States, white soldiers were camped out near this bridge to protect the nearby women and children from the violent natives. In the dark of night, the Indians snuck into the camp and murdered everyone. People who hike near the water report hearing the cries of small children and even feel the wind whip in their ears as if arrows were flying right past their heads. Is it the spirits of the Native Americans trying to finish off anyone who dares to enter their territory?
8. Bragg Road - Saratoga
Bragg Road, Bragg Rd, Texas, USA
Flickr/texasbackroads
This is another ghost light location, and one I can personally vouch for. Every single time I've been here, a mysterious white light flies right past my head with no apparent source. Obviously, it isn't a headlight. It could be swamp gas, but I've never known it to move so erratically. I truly believe it's the horseman who lost his head in a railroad accident many years ago. He's using the light from his lantern to illuminate the darkness and search for his missing body part.

Have you ever hiked at any of these places? Do you agree they represent some of the best haunted hikes in Texas? Please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below. If you’re into ghost hunting, this Texas icon is one of the most notoriously haunted places in the country!

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best hikes in texas

Jennifer Young | March 07, 2022

What are three of the best kid-friendly hikes around Texas?

There are several trails in Texas that are great for all types of abilities. Many of them are even kid friendly. Listed below are three of the best kid-friendly hikes around Texas.

1. Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail

Located within Dallas' Cedar Ridge Preserve is the Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail, a 2.7-mile loop trail that features a lake. Because it has an easy rating of difficulty, it's also a great trail for all skill levels. Most people use this trail, which is accessible year round, for hiking, walking, and running.

2. Turkey Creek Trail

Texas' Turkey Creek Trail is a 2.8-mile, out-and-back trail that's located inside Austin's Emma Long Metropolitan Park. It features a river and has a moderate rating of difficulty, which means it can be accomplished by most people. Turkey Creek Trail is mostly used throughout the year for hiking and running.

3. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail

You'll find Texas' Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Trail located within Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano. It's a 2.5-mile loop trail with an easy rating of difficulty. It also features thousands of beautiful wildflowers and can be explored any time of the year.

What are three easy hikes in Texas everyone should add to their outdoor bucket list?

Texas boasts numerous trails of all distances and difficulty levels. Listed below are three trails with an easy rating. You'll want to explore them all!

1. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Texas' Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail is a 3.2-mile, out-and-back trail in Austin. It features a river and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running. This is also one of the most scenic trails in Texas, and it can be explored no matter the time of year.

2. Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills Trail

Located inside Big Bend National Park is Texas' Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills Trail. It's a 2-mile, out-and-back trail that's mostly used for hiking. It's also accessible throughout the year.

3. El Paso Tin Mines Trail

Texas' El Paso Tin Mines Trail, which is located inside Franklin Mountains State Park, is a 6.6-mile, out-and-back trail that offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking. The best time to hike the El Paso Tin Mines Trail is from March to October.

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