Port Royal Walking Trails
  • Footbridge with railings surrounded by lush green trees under a blue sky.
    • Book Now
    Trail lined with trees and a stone sign reading "Trail of Tears Historic Route."

    Walking Trails at Port Royal

    Port Royal State Historic Park has three short walking paths throughout the park.

    Beginning at the General Store and Visitor Center, Old Main Street travels through the old townsite of Port Royal. As you travel, view the archaeological remains of the town and end at Sulphur Fork Creek, where the 1890 Iron Bridge still stands. On your way back, take Hopson Spring Branch for a scenic detour around Historic Downtown. 

    The Hopson Spring Branch trail begins at the Historic Main Street in downtown Port Royal and follows along the Sulphur Fork Creek and the Hopson Spring Branch. This trail is located in a river bottom and will flood during heavy rain.  

    A portion of the Trail of Tears lies within our park, commemorating the survival of the Cherokee people. This short, preserved piece of history leads to a scenic view of the Red River. 

    Learn More About the Trail of Tears

    Trails

      Hopson's Spring Branch Path

      Port Royal State Park
      Distance
      0.20 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      The Hopson Spring Branch trail begins at the Historic Main Street in downtown Port Royal and follows along the Sulphur Fork Creek and the Hopson Spring Branch. This trail is located in a river bottom and will flood during heavy rain.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Hopson's Spring Branch Path

      Port Royal State Park
      The Hopson Spring Branch trail begins at the Historic Main Street in downtown Port Royal and follows along the Sulphur Fork Creek and the Hopson Spring Branch. This trail is located in a river bottom and will flood during heavy rain.
      Distance
      0.20 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Allowed
      Hiking
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 13.10'
      Loss 18.40'
      Grade
      Typical 3.7%
      Max 13.7%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 3.7%
      Max 16.1%
      Tread Width
      Typical 72"
      Minimum 72"
      Surface Type
      Soil 100%
      Obstructions Exist
      No obstructions present

      Old Main Street

      Port Royal State Park
      Distance
      0.15 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Beginning at the General Store and Visitor Center, Old Main Street travels through the old townsite of Port Royal. As you travel, view the archaeological remains of the town and end at Sulphur Fork Creek, where the 1890 Iron Bridge still stands. On your way back, take Hopson Spring Branch for a scenic detour around Historic Downtown.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

      Port Royal State Park
      Distance
      0.15 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      A portion of the Trail of Tears lies within our park, commemorating the survival of the Cherokee people. This short, preserved piece of history leads to a scenic view of the Red River. To learn more about the Trail of Tears and plan your trip, view the National Park Service's map [https://www.nps.gov/trte/planyourvisit/maps.htm].
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

      Port Royal State Park
      A portion of the Trail of Tears lies within our park, commemorating the survival of the Cherokee people. This short, preserved piece of history leads to a scenic view of the Red River. To learn more about the Trail of Tears and plan your trip, view the National Park Service's map [https://www.nps.gov/trte/planyourvisit/maps.htm].
      Distance
      0.15 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Allowed
      Hiking
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 1.70'
      Loss 24.40'
      Grade
      Typical 2.9%
      Max 12.8%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 2.4%
      Max 8.3%
      Tread Width
      Typical 207"
      Minimum 51"
      Surface Type
      Soil 85%; Concrete 15%
      Obstructions Exist
      No obstructions present

    Trail Definitions

    • Cross Slope 

      Describes the degree of incline from one side of the trail path to the other; measured as a percentage. Cross slope aids in water drainage and impacts the overall trail stability.   

    • Grade  

      Describes the rise in elevation over a horizontal distance on the trail; measured as a percentage.  Higher percentages represent a steeper grade indicating a more challenging ascent or descent for hikers.    

    • Standard Ramp Grade

      Serves as a reference guide for the grade of the trail.  Standard Ramp Grade is 8.3% across all trail assessments.  

    • Surface 

      A characteristic of the trail expressed in terms of material type, grading, compaction, and roughness of the path. Possible surface types include soil, gravel, paved, and mulch.   

    • Tread Width    

      Represents the horizontal distance from one edge of the trail path to the other; measurements can vary.  Tread width helps to determine the amount of space a hiker has to pass through. Obstacles on the trail can alter the remaining tread width.   

    • Trail Types: Loop

      Trail returns at or near the point from which you started. 

    • Trail Types: Network 

      Offers multiple route options within one trail, and each route is connected

    • Trail Types: Out and Back

      This type of trail travels out to an endpoint where hikers turn around and travel back to the starting point.   

    • Trail Types: Stacked Loop

      A loop trail contained completely within another trail.   

    Learn More About Trail Accessibility Information

    Need a Map?

    Explore our collection of printable and digital trail maps, organized by park. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or paddling, you’ll find the resources you need to navigate confidently.

     

    Find a Park Map

    No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.

    Find More Events

    More Parks with Hiking