Caddo Lake State Park
We finally made it to Caddo Lake State Park last weekend! It’s been on our "to visit" list forever, and it’s only 2.5 hours from Dallas. We were surprised to learn that it’s the only natural lake in Texas, straddling the border with Louisiana near Shreveport.
Canoeing Adventures
Caddo Lake is a maze of Bald Cypress trees and marshy areas, perfect for exploring by canoe or kayak! We rented a canoe from the park and spent an afternoon meandering around. We saw plenty of waterfowl, including a beautiful Great Blue Heron that decided to pose for us.
Nice beard.
We took the less-traveled route west from the park on the Big Cypress Bayou and into the Haggerty Creek Paddling Trail—a labyrinth of trees. Our egret tour guide kept us company, popping up repeatedly along the way.
To be honest, we took this way by accident and then got completely lost in the cypress trees. Fortunately, our app helped us figure out which direction we were facing and roughly where we needed to go. But just a warning—it’s VERY easy to get turned around in the thicket of cypress trees!
This way!
Hiking and Exploring
While paddling is the star here, don’t miss the two miles of hiking trails through surprisingly hilly and dense forests. We even took a detour to the cabin area and boat ramp. It’s definitely worth taking a break from the water to explore on foot.
The CCC Cut-Through Trail
Historical and Natural Highlights
Caddo Lake State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, and their handiwork is everywhere—from the cabins to the CCC Cut-Through Trail and the pavilion on the Caddo Forest Trail.
One of our favorite trees is the Hercules Club, named for its tough appearance. Chewing its inner bark and twigs causes a numbing sensation, earning it the notably less intimidating nickname "tickle-tongue."
Looks soothing, huh?
Blooming Red Buckeye flowers were everywhere, which was a delightful surprise. These vibrant, pink-red blossoms added a pop of color to the green landscape and were buzzing with pollinators. It’s a beautiful sight you won't want to miss during your visit if you are there in early spring!
Were we in Texas, or on a tropical island??
Caddo Lake State Park is a perfect blend of nature, history, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re paddling through the swampy cypress trees or hiking the trails, there’s something here for everyone.
