Cross Mountain Park
Fredericksburg, Texas
Plant List | Site Plan | Proposed Restroom and Picnic Facilities
This 16-acre natural and historic area is located on RR 965 a little over a mile north of Main St. in Fredericksburg. It is accessible to the public free of charge. There are nature trails at the base of the hill, and several trails that lead to the top where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the town. There is a paved parking area a short distance from the entrance.
The Fredericksburg NPSOT Chapter conducts field trips to Cross Mountain several times a year, and some members visit the park on a regular basis. We have been compiling a list of plants found in the park and have identified over 130 species.
Cross Mountain has historical significance to Fredericksburg. The early German settlers reportedly found an old wooden cross on top of the hill, and hence this area became known as Kreuzberg (Cross Mountain). The old wooden cross may have been left by earlier Spanish explorers who passed through the area. The original cross has been lost to history, but today a large metal cross stands in its place.
The City of Fredericksburg has plans to develop the park and add facilities. A master plan has been developed, but its implementation has not yet been funded. The links above provide excerpts from the "Cross Mountain Park Concept Master Plan" developed for the City of Fredericksburg by Rialto Studio / Black+Williams Design Team in October 2001.
The Fredericksburg Chapter hopes to provide input when development of the park begins. We believe it's important to preserve our natural as well as historical and cultural heritage for the future enjoyment of residents and visitors, and to protect habitat for wildlife. We would like to see native plants at the site preserved to the extent feasible, and hope that no non-native plants are introduced, especially invasive ones.