Drives Texas Dallas–Fort Worth and North Texas
Highway 16: Strawn to Possum Kingdom
TX 16, FM 2353 · Strawn → Highway 16 north of the lake
The drive
Highway 16 north from Strawn crosses the Palo Pinto Mountains on its way to Possum Kingdom Lake, the Brazos River reservoir northwest of Fort Worth. Near the start, just north of I-20, is Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, a new state park with almost 5,000 acres of hills and the 90-acre Tucker Lake.
The highway runs through open ranch hills and shares a few miles with US 180 near Brad before heading on north. Near the lake the drive loops onto FM 2353 along the east shore, past Morris Sheppard Dam, finished in 1941: 2,700 feet long and 190 feet high. The Brazos River Authority's Observation Point, beside its lake office, looks over the top of the dam. FM 2353 then rejoins Highway 16 north of the lake.
Along the way
- Strawn
- Morris Sheppard Dam
- FM 2353 north
- Highway 16 north of the lake
Good to know
- Palo Pinto Mountains State Park charges a daily entrance fee and may fill on weekends and holidays.
- Observation Point at the dam is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check TxDOT DriveTexas: road conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 16 from Strawn to Possum Kingdom take?
Highway 16 and FM 2353 from Strawn to Possum Kingdom Lake is 33.8 miles and takes about 40 minutes.
Can you see Morris Sheppard Dam at Possum Kingdom?
Yes: FM 2353 passes Morris Sheppard Dam, and the Brazos River Authority's Observation Point overlooks it on weekdays.
Is Palo Pinto Mountains State Park open?
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, near Strawn at the start of this Highway 16 drive, is open daily and charges an entrance fee.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.