Dinosaur Valley State Park protects real tracks in the Paluxy River

The 1,587-acre Dinosaur Valley State Park sits just outside Glen Rose at 1629 Park Rd 59. The Paluxy River runs through the park, and its limestone bed holds some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in the country. The National Park Service designated the park a National Natural Landmark because of those tracks. The park opened in 1972.

Tracks include prints from large sauropods (plant-eaters that walked on four legs) and theropods (two-legged meat-eaters). Track visibility depends on river conditions — they are not always above water. Beyond the tracks, the park offers 20 miles of trails, camping, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and paddling. The entrance fee for adults is $8 per day; children 12 and under are free. Check the TPWD page before you go for current conditions and reservations.