Weatherford Trailhead

Hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders of all ages and abilities can enjoy Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway. Because it is a reclaimed railroad bed, it has flat grades and gentle curves. In the 1880s, Mineral Wells was a booming health resort town. An entrepreneurial group in Weatherford invested $500,000 to build this shortline railroad connecting Weatherford and Mineral Wells to accommodate travelers. The Weatherford, Mineral Wells & Northwestern Railroad made its first trip on this corridor, delivering the tourists to Mineral Wells, on New Year’s Day, 1889. It went on to carry more than 33,000 passengers in 1899. Most came to Mineral Wells for the town’s "healing water," mineral baths, and resort climate. This railroad line was used until it was closed in 1992 when it was deemed unprofitable. The Rails- to- Trails Conservancy and Texas State Parks preserved 20 miles of the historic rail line as the present Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway.