Post Oak Ridge State Park opened for day use in September 2026, giving visitors a new place to hike the rugged Colorado River country near Naruna. It is still an early-phase park: come for the trails and river-bluff scenery, and plan around limited facilities and a gravel approach road.
Current access note (updated November 7, 2026): The park is closed to the general public until 8 a.m. Monday, November 9, for a permitted hunting period. TPWD also lists public closures from 8 p.m. November 22 through 8 a.m. November 26, and from 8 p.m. December 20 through 8 a.m. December 24. Check the official alert page before leaving; these dates and road conditions can change.
What is open during the day-use phase
TPWD describes about four miles of hiking trails, an accessible trail and picnic area, and a vault toilet. The park is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Entry requires a reservation, costs $2 for visitors 13 and older, and is free for children 12 and under. There is no park headquarters on site.
The park is day-use only. TPWD says broader public access and facilities will be added in phases; do not plan on overnight camping here. Construction is ongoing, so stay out of work zones and follow posted signs.
Choose a trail and start early
The routes cross uneven, rugged ground. In its opening information, TPWD describes a shorter outing of a little over three miles and a longer, roughly five-mile round trip to the overlook. Another current TPWD development page lists four miles of hiking trails, so think of those distances as route descriptions rather than a precise total for every available trail. The overlook route is a substantial walk, especially on a weekday when the park closes at 4 p.m.; leave enough time to finish before closing.
There is no need to rush for the longest route on a first visit. Give yourself time to get oriented, enjoy the exposed views, and see the changes between oak woodland and open bluff. Stay on marked trails and leave plants, rocks, and cultural features where you find them.
Prepare for a primitive park
There is no drinking water, electricity, or reliable cell service. Bring all the water and food you need, download your directions and any maps before leaving town, and carry sun protection and a small first-aid kit. Do not count on being able to call or message from inside the park.
The entrance is reached by County Road 105. TPWD warns that the narrow road passes private property, livestock, and wildlife and can flood; check road conditions and drive carefully. The gate code is provided with a confirmed reservation. Same-day entry may be available only if capacity remains, so do not rely on it for a long drive.
Post Oak Ridge sits near Colorado Bend State Park, but it is a separate, developing day-use destination. Plan a self-contained hike rather than expecting camping, services, or direct river access. Before you go, confirm entry details, fees, closures, and road conditions on TPWD’s park page and alerts.
