The term Palo Pinto Mountains refers to range of hills in western Palo Pinto County, Texas. The name Palo Pinto roughly translates to "painted stick" because the early settlers found totem poles carved by the Indians in the area. Isolated, rugged, and scenic, the ridge extends some fifteen miles, from near the intersection of Texas State Highway 16 and Farm to Market Road 207 in the southwest, to Crawford Mountain just south of the Fortune Bend on the Brazos River in the northeast. Although small, the range contains steep slopes and deep valleys. The high point is Crawford Mountain at the north end, with an elevation of 1,470 feet (450 m) and about 360 feet (110 m) of prominence.
The state park is located near the city of Strawn. The park consists of about 4000 acres. Palo Pinto Creek runs along the north edge of the property. The park contains Tucker Lake, which is stocked with bass, catfish and crappie. The lake is only 81 acres when full, and at present is low. The lake is reached by an unimproved gravel road off FM2372.
The park superintendent is John Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson can be reached at 254-210-3015 or email john.ferguson@tpwd.state.tx.us.
According to Mr. Ferguson the park will not be open to the general public for some time, depending upon when the state legislature appropriates funds for development. However, the park is available for use by groups by contacting Mr. Ferguson. The lake is open for fishing, but it is a rugged climb down to the water. I did not see a boat ramp.
