Top 5 best places to go off-roading near Palestine, Texas

Texas is a haven for off-roading enthusiasts, offering rugged trails, expansive parks, and diverse terrain.  Whether you’re navigating wooded trails in East Texas or tackling desert-like conditions out west, there’s a challenge fit for every skill level, with dozens of parks catering to Jeeps, ATVs, and UTVs.  Here are some of the top options located near Palestine:

Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area

Address: 6284 State Hwy 155, Gilmer, TX 75644
Website: barnwellmountainra.com

Located about 90 minutes northeast of Palestine, Barnwell Mountain spans 1,850 acres of well-marked trails for Jeeps, ATVs, and dirt bikes. Maintained by the Texas Motorized Trails Coalition, it offers camping, cabins, and trails for all skill levels from beginner loops to technical rock crawls. You’ll also find trail maps posted around the park and guided trail runs during special events.

General Sam’s Offroad Park

Address: 224 Bishop Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320
Website: generalsams.com 

Just under two hours south of Palestine, General Sam’s covers 706 acres of pine forest and creek crossings. With over 60 miles of trails, mud pits, and hill climbs, it’s a favorite for weekend warriors. The park’s laid-back vibe and nighttime trail rides make it a hotspot for both adrenaline junkies and casual cruisers.

Creekside Offroad Ranch

Address: 13580 Calhoun Rd, Splendora, TX 77372
Website: creeksideoffroadranch.com 

Located southeast of Palestine, Creekside spans 350 acres of wooded trails, water crossings, and sandy climbs. It’s open on weekends and offers primitive camping, making it a great spot for group rides and off-road events. Watch for their seasonal mud-bogging competitions where they draw a solid crowd and provide some great photo ops.

Hidden Falls Adventure Park

Address: 7030 E FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Website: hiddenfallsadventurepark.com 

Though a bit farther west (about 3.5 hours), Hidden Falls is worth the trip. With over 2,000 acres and 240+ miles of trails, it’s one of the largest off-road parks in Texas. It also caters to families with designated areas for kids, plus UTV rentals for those looking to test out different rigs.

Northwest OHV Park

Address: 2914 Texas 101, Bridgeport, TX 76426
Website: cityofbridgeport.net 

Located northwest of Dallas, this 302-acre park was built in a former rock quarry and offers Jeep Badge of Honor trails, technical climbs, and scenic views. It’s ideal for experienced drivers looking for a challenge and is open on weekends with day passes available. The on-site staging area is well-organized, making it easy to prep gear and connect with fellow off-roaders before you hit the trails.