Trans-America Trail — Hico to Ranger via the Texas Hill Country Limestone Plateau
Flat, hot, thorny, and honest Texas two-track.
This segment of Sam Correro’s Trans-America Trail runs the rough limestone backroads between Hico and Ranger in north-central Texas, threading through cedar-choked ranch land, Comanche territory turned cattle country, and the oil-boom ghost towns of Eastland County. The route crosses creek beds that turn to soup in rain, navigates a patchwork of county roads and ranch two-tracks, and passes through Hamilton and Eastland counties — places where the word ‘overland’ predates the hobby by about 150 years. The Ranger oil field district adds an eerie industrial backdrop to what is otherwise relentlessly flat, thorny, and hot Texas brushland. Key waypoints include the Paluxy River drainage crossings outside Hico and the Eastland County road network west of Gorman.
This stretch is moderate on paper but the heat, sandy creek beds after rain, and occasional locked-gate confusion make it trickier than it looks on a map. Stock high-clearance is fine in dry conditions; after rain, 4WD and aired-down tyres are worth it. Fuel is available in Hico and Ranger — top off at both. Carry extra water; summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F and cell service is sporadic outside small towns. Best months are October through April. No dispersed camping on private ranch land without permission; state parks and county fairgrounds provide overnight options nearby. The TAT GPX track from the TAT website is essential navigation here.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1540 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Hico, TX |
| Land manager | Hamilton and Eastland County Roads / Private Ranch Land (TAT route) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Trans-America Trail Official Site |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this segment without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD handles this segment fine. The terrain is moderate — limestone two-track, shallow creek beds, and ranch roads — not technical rock crawling. Aired-down tires help with traction on loose caliche and gravel.
What's the trail like in summer — is it worth attempting June through August?
Technically passable, but brutal. Central Texas summer means 100°F+ temps, no shade on open ranch land, and increased risk of flash flooding in the limestone creek beds. October through April is the window where this trail is actually enjoyable.
Do I need a permit to run this TAT segment?
No permit required, but this route crosses private ranch land via easements negotiated by the TAT. Stick exactly to the mapped route — do not open locked gates, cut fences, or deviate onto adjacent private property. Respect the access or lose it for everyone.
What's the hardest section between Hico and Ranger?
The limestone creek crossings are where things get honest after rain — slick rock, soft muddy banks, and occasional debris. On dry days they're non-events. The bigger challenge is navigation through unmarked ranch junctions where the route isn't obvious; run the TAT GPS tracks loaded before you leave.
Is there anywhere to camp along this segment, and how far is the nearest gas?
This stretch runs through private ranch land with no designated dispersed camping — plan to camp before or after the segment, not on it. Fuel up in Hico before you leave; Ranger has a gas station at the west end, but it's 68 miles of remote two-track with spotty cell service in between, so don't roll the dice on your tank.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
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