Texas Travel Trails (Texas Heritage Trails Program)

The Texas Travel Trails are a series of 10 pleasure-driving routes that were established in 1967 and became operational in 1968. The Trails were founded at the direction of Governor John Connally as a Texas tourism feature to identify and promote a series of motor-vehicle routes that follow trails that have historical, cultural, or geographical significance. The program is managed by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and is referred to as the Texas Heritage Trails Program.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) installs and maintains the Texas Heritage Trails signs (D71 series). The signs are 42 × 24 inches. The trail arrows are 18 inches and 24 inches in diameter. Signs and trail arrows are obtained from the Support Services Division’s regional distribution centers. Figure 7‑3 shows an example of a Texas Heritage Trail marker and associated directional arrow. See the
SHSD
for sign details.
Districts should maintain close observation of trail signing, and promptly obtain and install replacements as needed to assure that the route remains well marked for motorists who are following the trail. Any problems or confusion about a particular trail route segment should be brought to the attention of the THC.
Existing designated Texas Travel Trails are:
  • TEXAS BRAZOS TRAIL (D71-BR)
  • TEXAS FOREST TRAIL (D71-FR)
  • TEXAS FORTS TRAIL (D71-FT)
  • TEXAS HILL COUNTRY TRAIL (D71-HC)
  • TEXAS INDEPENDENCE TRAIL (D71-IN)
  • TEXAS LAKES TRAIL (D71-LA)
  • TEXAS MOUNTAIN TRAIL (D71-MT)
  • TEXAS PECOS TRAIL (D71-PE)
  • TEXAS PLAINS TRAIL (D71-PL)
  • TEXAS TROPICAL TRAIL (D71-TR).
Example of Texas Heritage Trail Marker(Trail arrow may be reversed for left turn.) (click in image to see full-size image)
Figure 7-3. Example of Texas Heritage Trail Marker (Trail arrow may be reversed for left turn.)