Get dirty and enjoy time on the trails at this off-road park

I hope you aren’t afraid to get a little dirty for this East Texas adventure! Just a bit Northeast from Gilmer, you’ll find a place full of enjoyment for the whole family. Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area provides a full weekend of fun, with just over 200 miles of trails for motorized vehicles of all kinds, and with space for you to stay the weekend, so the fun doesn’t have to end.

“Most everybody that comes through the gate is happy to be here,” said Park Manager Sherry Smith. “There is a lot to do out here, we have pavilions where you can picnic. We try to make it as conformable and inviting as we can. (Our visitors) love the diversity of the trails, they love the family atmosphere, and they love that it’s clean.”

Barnwell opened in 2000 as the first property of the Texas Motorized Trail Coalition (TMTC). TMTC is a non-profit that works to provide safe and exciting off-road motorized recreational areas for Texans to enjoy. Since Barnwell is a motorized off-road park, that means vehicles-only for your adventures, no hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The park is 1,890 acres of beautiful land aching to be explored.

“I’ve got 80-year-old dirt bikers that come out and ride the extreme trail every weekend,” said Smith. " It’s amazing! It’s amazing to watch.”

To make a longer stay out it, you are more than welcome to camp, bring your RV, or rent one of Barnwell’s cabins and bunkhouses to make your quick trip into a full weekend of thrills! This is a place where the whole family can have fun together, no matter the age or experience level.

While going out into the trails, you’ll notice signs that let you know what types of vehicles are allowed on it and the difficulty you should expect for each, that way you’re never too far over your head. Even if you aren’t staying the night while you visit, there are pavilions spread out through the park for a nice family picnic, quick lunch stop, or for you and your buddies to all gather around and share some laughs about what you’ve accomplished so far on the trails.


The office at Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area is open Thursday thru Sunday. The trails close at 10:00 PM nightly. You can find them at 6284 N. SH 155 Gilmer, TX 75645.

Thursday: Noon - 10:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 8:00 AM - Midnight | Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

To learn about events going on at Barnwell, click here.

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Jade Allen

Jade Allen

Jade Allen explores East Texas to bring the most exciting activities and locations to The East Texas Weekend. Jade came to Texas in 2018, where it has steadily become a home and a place to explore.