The Unique Hike In Texas That Leads You To Plane Wreckage From 1953
We have no shortage of amazing hikes here in Texas, but not many also serve as a history lesson. This amazing trail at Franklin Mountain State Park leads to the intact wreckage of a B-36 Bomber plane, and you can see the ruins firsthand.
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One fateful day in December of 1953, a blizzard and dust storm occurred simultaneously. The pilot of a B-36 Bomber scheduled to land at Biggs Airfield couldn't see the runway in such treacherous weather conditions.
Frantically circling around to buy time while looking for a safe landing place, one of the plane's wings collided with the Franklin Mountains. A massive fire started almost immediately, sending smoke signals into the sky for days to come.
From there, turn left and keep climbing until coming to a fork in the road. Head left and hike to the southernmost rock in a group marked by yellow circles - this is where the wreckage is located.
A somber scene, dozens of memorials have been built on the mountaintop. Engine pieces, landing gear, and even part of a tail fin are fully intact and accessible for an up-close look.
The trail is definitely challenging, but pets and kids over 10 are welcome so long as a close eye is kept on them. Bring plenty of water and snacks, although the risk of overheating is significantly lower now than during summertime.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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