Set among the rolling hills and prairies of north central Texas, Possum Kingdom Lake is a vast reservoir lined by towering limestone cliffs, beachfront cabins, and stands of mesquite, oak, and juniper. Located around three hours west of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area and nestled between two stretches of the Brazos River, the lake is a popular boating destination, its nearly 20,000 acres of surface area hidden among serpentine twists and turns and hidden inlets. Several lakeside communities offer docking services and access to bait shops, grocery stores, and even restaurants and bars. On the western edge of the lake, Possum Kingdom State Park is a remote swath of protected shoreline great for quiet hikes, cycling in the Palo Pinto Mountains, and bass fishing in the Brazos River.

The weather can be variable in this north central region of Texas. Summers on Possum Kingdom Lake are characterized by long, sunny days, hot temperatures, and high humidity; this time of year also sees most of the annual precipitation, with regular afternoon showers and the occasional thunderstorm to help cool things off. As winter descends on the region, temperatures can drop considerably, often approaching freezing but rarely dropping below it. And while the shoulder seasons can be too cold to enjoy many water activities, they can still be enjoyable for hiking in the state parks. There are several festivals and events in the area throughout the year, including the Possum Fest BBQ & Chili Cook-Off in early October. This two-day event in Graford, just east of the lake, hosts cooking competitions, live music, and plenty of Texas barbecue.

Possum Kingdom State Park

With tranquil coastlines, picnic areas, hiking trails, and more than 1,500 acres of land to explore, Possum Kingdom State Park has plenty to keep you entertained. Choose one of the well-marked paths through the rolling, juniper-covered hills and be on the lookout for herds of white-tailed deer. Or spend the day reeling in bass and catfish from the balmy lake waters.

Possum Kingdom Hike and Bike Trail

Spanning nearly 18 miles, this trail winds through cedar and oak forests, along ridgetops, and past lake shores on a central peninsular strip. Whether you’re biking or hiking, you can enter and exit the trail at several points along the route, with plenty of opportunities to rest along the way. Be sure to pack water and snacks, as the area can get hot and humid in the summertime.

Hell’s Gate

Despite the ominous name, Hell’s Gate is one of the lake’s most picturesque geological formations. Two towering limestone cliffs dramatically guard the water overlooking the lake and the small community of Johnson Bend. Local boaters flock to the 90-foot sheer cliffs during the long summer nights in what is one the most lively areas of the Possum Kingdom.