HomeTexasLufkin › Ellen Trout Park

Ellen Trout Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 152 Google reviews · Running trail in Lufkin, Texas · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
1 mi
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Ellen Trout Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

1 miLoopDog-friendlyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Down-to-earth standby featuring covered picnic pavilions, playgrounds & a duck pond.

What runners say about Ellen Trout Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (152 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

There's a nice loop that goes around the lake, a 1.1 mile walk. I didn't get the chance to visit the zoo, but I did ride the train. Well worth the $2.00. The trail goes into a dense forest region that's like walking in a jungle. I recommend bringing water with you and enjoying the lake when it's cool, if possible.

★★★★★ — Ian , Jul 2019

Love walking around the pond when the weather is nice. My toddler is just learning to walk and loves playing in the park at the end. The fishermen are always so nice in the mornings and the joggers are always polite. Kiddo loves waving at the train too.

★★★★★ — Kelly , Feb 2025

Beautiful walking paths with shade and bench seats. Best nature walk I know of in lufkin...for now. The train rides are fun for the little kids (4 and under FREE) otherwise $2. Two play structures near the parking area.

★★★★★ — Cynthia , Sep 2019

Nice little park. Has a small trail that circles the water. Small park for little kids. A train ride for kids.

★★★★★ — Quiettime , Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 152 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 6 mentions

“The only downside is that I could see parking being an issue if a lot of people visited at once.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“And several dog poo bag towers stocked with poo bags.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Nice park, with a couple playgrounds, pavilions with picnic tables, walking path, bathrooms (if I remember correctly), and a little train that is inexpensive.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“There's a nice loop that goes around the lake, a 1.”

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Ellen Trout Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteellentroutzoo.com
  • Phone+1 936-633-0399
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday 9 am–5 pm
Tuesday 9 am–5 pm
Wednesday 9 am–5 pm
Thursday 9 am–6:45 pm
Friday 9 am–5 pm
Saturday 9 am–5 pm
Sunday 9 am–5 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Ellen Trout Park

402 Zoo Cir, Lufkin, TX 75904

Get directions

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.