Within Lake Mineral Wells State Park lies an outdoor adventure far from normal. This Texas state park packs a punch with slot canyon hiking, climbing, kayaking, and more. When it comes to things to do at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, you can't really go wrong - but Penitentiary Hollow is a great place to start. Here are the coolest things to do at this awesome Texas state park near Fort Worth.

If you live in the Metroplex, it comes as no surprise that getting in touch with nature can be a bit of a tricky feat. Sure, there are the obvious spots like White Rock Lake or the Katy Trail where you can get your sweat in, but the crowds come as a package deal. Not to mention the pavement. For those looking to get off the beaten path around DFW and hit the best hiking trails in the area, this Connecticut gal has search high (Frisco) and low (Cedar Ridge) to find the coolest hiking close to Dallas that pack a punch - and allows for the appropriate use of hiking boots.

The drive from Texas to Colorado is one filled with crackled desert-scapes and rolling plains. While not traditionally flaunted as one of the most exciting road trips in America, there are quite a few quirky road trip stops to help break up the 11-ish hour drive from Dallas to Denver.

This adorable Texas town packs a hill country punch, without the drive. Glen Rose is an easy day trip from Dallas or Fort Worth that is well worth the venture. In just one day, you can hit up a hike at Dinosaur Valley State Park, grab a bite in the historic town center, and cool off in the river at Big Rock Park. For those planning on spending the weekend in Glen Rose, stay at most darling Airbnb treehouse and take your time exploring. Glen Rose might be a small-town, but boy is it mighty.