A new state park has opened west of Fort Worth

A new state park has opened 120 miles west of Dallas, just in time for spring break planning.

The intrigue: Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, which used to be ranch land, is the first Texas state park to open in 18 years.

State of play: The park sits on 4,900 acres and boasts juniper-topped hillsides and hardwood bottomlands in the state's Western Cross Timbers region.

• The park includes a 68-acre lake and 16 miles of trails that can be hiked, biked or explored by horseback.
• Endangered golden-cheeked warblers also call the park home.

The fine print: Entrance is $7 for visitors older than 13. Children under 12 are free.

What's next: Texas officials plan to open seven more state parks, including Bear Creek State Park in the Hill Country, by 2034.