Turkey Creek Trail - Lake Meredith, TX

Meredith Lake Recreational Area
Meredith Lake is a United States National Recreational Area located about 30 miles north of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. The main attraction is the 10,000-acre lake created by Sanford Dam on the Canadian River. Activities at Lake Meredith include boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and hunting. Park headquarters are located in Fritch, Texas. This lake is located along the Canadian River, where it cuts a 200-foot canyon through the panhandle's dry, windswept plains. There are two main trails at the main entrance, Harbor Bay Trail and the Turkey Creek Trail. There are no entrance fees for Meredith Lake. Check Meredith Website for Camping and Fishing requirements.


Turkey Creek Trail
I think the Turkey creek trail is the most interesting of the two trails from Harbor Bay. Starting in Harbor Bay, the trail follows along the southwest portion of Harbor Bay well in from the lake to avoid the high water marshes. Once out of harbor bay, the trail follows right alongside the lake. About 2 miles in, the trail leaves the lake and follows inland more as it traverses a couple of small side canyons. The vegetation gets thicker here, and the lake is not always visible. After Short Creek, the trail does a 100-foot climb over a ridge that leads into Turkey Canyon. At this point, there are great views of the lake and the vast Marshes to the west. When I was here, Turkey creek was the western end of the lake. The Turkey Creek Trail leaves the lake at this point and continues up Turkey Creek. Turkey Creek starts as marshland then grades into thick woods. The route posted for this guide ends in Turkey Creek at the junction with the Turkey Creek loop Trail. The loop is about 2 miles total and goes further up Turkey Creek. I ran out of time to do the loop portion. The Turkey Creek Trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Despite being 12 miles long, not including the 2-mile loop, it can be done in one day with time left over. While Fritch, Texas may not be on your list of places to visit if you are in the area looking for something to do, I would recommend this hike.

2020-12-08 markthurman53