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| The LBJ National Grasslands is the only urban national
grasslands and extends over 20,000+ acres located in Wise County, just north of the
city of Decatur. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service whose office is located
on US 81/287 just outside of Decatur (940-627-5475). The Grasslands contains over
400 ponds and a couple of larger, stocked lakes, Little Cottonwood and Black Creek
Lakes, where record bass have been caught.
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The Grasslands offer diverse recreational opportunities
with marked trails (50+ miles) for hikers, bikers and horse-back riders, fishing at
stocked lakes, hunting for a variety of fowl and deer at posted times throughout
the year. And there are hundreds of other "unmarked" trails established by cattle
and other riders to make your experience new and exciting each time you visit.
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| The marked trail systems consist of colored markers
designating each trail, two of which are @ 10 mile loops and two @ 14 miles - all
totaling 50 miles. So endurance riders or runners can "clock" substantial miles
over a weekend. The mostly-sandy terrain is conducive for both horses and humans.
And no motorized vehicles are allowed off road.
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A varied terrain of high plateaus, piney and broadleaf forests,
creekbeds, open grasslands and prairies, and rolling hills provide a challenge for many
horse-back riders and hikers. The flora and fauna create an ever-changing landscape
through the seasons and support the natural wildlife of deer, wild turkey, bobcats,
quail, and other fowl.
Atop many plateaus are seashells and other fossils, evidence
of a former home to oceanbeds and offering adventure to the naturalist or scout.
Because the LBJ Grasslands is located near an urban area, all the amenities of "city life"
are within a 40-60 minute drive.
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