Panola Mountain State Park — Attraction in Stonecrest

Decided to try out a new biking trail this past weekend when it was sunny and warm for the first weekend in February. What a great treat it was riding out here. Very few people on the trail and loads of ups and downs to get a real workout. No flat rail road trails here.

There's several locations that you can park, but we chose to park at the main parking lot. The ride out and around the lake and back was 5.28 miles. Would have rode for much longer but didn't know if they lock the gates at dusk. Came to find out that the gate at the MAIN parking area will automatically open for you if it's closed after dusk so you can get out. However, if you park down by the lake, that lot is physically locked and you will not be able to get your car out until morning.

You need to know this if you plan on staying overnight at one of the 5 primitive camp sites they have. You need to make sure that you have all your provisions with you before the gate is locked.

So if you're out riding to one of the side trails to the Monastery or to StoneCrest Mall, make sure that you have enough time to get back before they lock the gates, otherwise you'll be camping out for the night in your car.

If you are going to be biking a longer route, then you'll maybe want to park in the lot down at the lake.

You can also bring in any non-motorized boats like a kayak or canoe, there is no boat launch, so your just going to need to wade in if you want to paddle. Electric trolling motors up to 10hp are allowed but absolutely no gas. All boaters must have a USCG approved BCD, you don't need to register with the park rangers, but it would be wise to in the event of an emergency.

So will we be back?...

Hi all you out there who view the reviews before going to a place. This is a good place for a short hiking and trails. There may be three or four trails almost around 3/4 miles to 1 1/4 miles. If you guys are there with a child there are also a plenty of play ground for kids. If you guys want to sit in nature’s and want to read a books, you can find a place over there . You also find a books for free to read just outside of visited information center. If you guys want to go there by seeing the photo of rock mountain uploads at the site you have to do some research. To see the rock mountain and to explore that rock mountain you have to take a hike tours means you can get there only with the guides provided by the state park. State park published a calandra which will tell you in which day and time there are a guided hiking tours so you have to pay certain fee and have to reserve the place. State park also give a classes on Archery instruction. As well as tree climbing. For all you have to pay certain fee. To enter yin this park there is $5 entry fee at gate. You can get a seasonal pass which will save you money. Inside a visitor information center you can buy lots of gift in reasonable price & you can able to see a lots of variety of live snakes and turtles. Go and enjoy the place and finally restroom is...

I went here with some friends to go on the bike trails. I'm fairly new to biking and went with my Walmart hybrid bike. I'll say this, it was definitely a workout! It's pretty hilly here. As a beginner with biking, I had to walk up a couple of the hills on the way back from the monastery. The monastery was about 11 miles I think from one end to the other. It was closed though cause it was Sunday, but you could still go in the church. Get your camera ready because the sanctuary is worth snapping a picture of. The park itself is nice. It's not the most scenic place in the world, but it has enough shade cover and change of scenery to keep you interested in a 20+ mile bike ride. When riding, make sure to bring lots of water, because if the monastery is closed, there's no water functioning water fountain (only the bathroom sink, which we weren't sure if the water was potable). There is a gas station off the bike trail closer to the monastery though. That gas station was a life saver for us! I definitely plan on coming back for another good workout. For my friends with road bikes, it was much easier so don't let my review...