Posted in Texas Abandoned, Farms & Wildlife, Hiking, Nature January 14, 2023 by Katie Lawrence

The Creepiest Hike In Texas Takes You Through The Ruins Of An Abandoned Zoo

There’s something inherently alluring about abandoned places. Once thriving, these destinations have long been forgotten, and oftentimes are being reclaimed by nature. There are plenty of abandoned places in Texas sure to send a chill down your spine, but this one just might take the cake. The Old Zoo Nature Trails take you through the ruins of an abandoned zoo from the 1920s, and it’s the creepiest hike you’ll ever take.

You've likely never heard of the tiny Eastland County town of Cisco - after all, it's home to fewer than 4,000 people.

Consisting of two short and easy hiking paths, the Old Zoo Nature Trails weave through the ruins of an old abandoned zoo built in the 1920s.

After the poisoning of a bear and the unrelated death of a deer, the zoo quickly fell into a state of disrepair.

In the spring of 2021, a nonprofit organization known as Students, Athletics, Families, and Education - or SAFE, for short - took on the arduous task of turning the overgrown property into a hiking area.

Each of the trails on this abandoned zoo hike is less than a mile long and features an elevation gain of less than 150 feet, so almost everyone can enjoy them.

From enclosures that presumably housed aquatic animals to rusty iron gates, the trails have an unmistakably eerie vibe about them.

The old abandoned zoo might be the main attraction, but the views are pretty spectacular, too!

Check out this YouTube video by Secrets of Texas for a virtual tour of the Old Zoo Nature Trails:

Have you embarked on this abandoned zoo hike? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. Also, if you know of any other abandoned zoo hikes in Texas worth taking, nominate them for a chance to see them featured in an upcoming article! Check out our previous article for more eerily awesome abandoned places in Texas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Old Zoo Nature Trails, Co Rd 112, Cisco, TX 76437, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

abandoned zoo

January 13, 2023

Beth C.

What are some other abandoned places in Texas?

Texas is a massive state, and it stands to reason that it would be home to lots of abandoned places. And, it is! Below is a list of abandoned places in Texas that nature is slowly reclaiming:

The Wurzbach House in Rio Medina
Mosheim School
Falling Church located in South Bend
Zedler's Mill in Caldwell County just outside of Luling
Terrell State Hospital, an abandoned insane asylum in Terrell, Texas
Cottle Hotel in Paducah
J.P. Torres Dry Goods and Grocery Store

What are some of the most haunted places in Texas?

Whether you're fascinated by history or consider yourself to be a ghost hunter, you'll be pleased to hear that there's no shortage of haunted places in Texas. Here are some of the most paranormal destinations in the Lone Star State: