I think an adventurous spirit resides in most Texans, some more than others, and we all find different ways to seek out our own adventures. Some like to hunt, some travel to far-off lands, and still other Texans like to find little-known places to explore, like, maybe, hiking through a 100-year-old abandoned zoo in Cisco, Texas.

Parking Area - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Google Maps
Parking Area - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Google Maps
loading...

Is It Legal?

No worries, it's perfectly legal to do this, in fact, the Old Zoo Nature Trails have been set up to do just that.

Climbing stairs - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
Climbing stairs - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
loading...

And yes, that is the name, Old Zoo Nature Trails.

Cages - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
Cages - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
loading...

There are several videos available on YouTube.com from people with that adventurous spirit just like you.

Welcome - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
Welcome - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
loading...

Most of the images with this story are from a YouTube creator called Secrets of Texas, be sure you watch the whole video below, it's only about 10 minutes long, and check out his channel for more great Texas adventures.

Couger Rock - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
Couger Rock - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
loading...

Cougar Rock, shown above, got the name because a real cougar or mountain lion was spotted up here in 1969.

Viewing Port - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
Viewing Port - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
loading...

The Old Zoo is located in Cisco, Texas which is about one hour and forty minutes west of Fort Worth out I-20. The Old Zoo Nature Trails are located next to the Cisco Lake Campgrounds which is right next to Cisco Lake.

Lake View FRom Dam - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
Lake View From Dam - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
loading...

Nice view of the lake from the top of the dam.

Giant Concrete Pool - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
Giant Concrete Pool - Old Zoo Nature Trails - Secrets of Texas YouTube
loading...

Gators? Really? I don't know about that, but this old zoo-adjacent giant cement swimming pool is no longer in use or safe I would think. But it is big.

Check out the full video below, pretty neat little adventure.

Seeing as Texarkana is five and a half hours away, I probably won't be making this trip anytime soon, but make no mistake, the Old Zoo Nature Trails is now officially in the side pocket of my bucket list, if I'm ever in the area.

5 Bone Chillingly Haunted Restaurants in Texas

If you're in the mood for good food & good scares, check out these 5 haunted Texas restaurants you can visit today.

Gallery Credit: Daniel Paulus

10 Most Popular Dog Breeds In Texas 2024

Most Popular Dog Breeds In Texas

Gallery Credit: Dubba G

The Best Donut Shops in the Great State of Texas!

There are lots of places to get good donuts in Texas. But here is a list of the very best donut shops.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

Eagle 106.3 logo
Get our free mobile app