Devils River State Natural Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devils River State Natural Area |
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Dolan Falls
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 Devils River State Natural Area
Location in Texas
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| Location | Val Verde County, USA |
| Nearest city | Del Rio, Texas |
| Area | 37,000 acres (15,000 ha) |
| Established | 1988 |
| Visitors | 8324 |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
The Devils River State Natural Area is a huge natural space in Texas, USA. It covers about 37,000-acre (15,000 ha) of land. This special area brings together three different types of natural environments: the Edwards Plateau, the Tamaulipan mezquital, and the Chihuahuan Desert.
You can find this natural area about 66 miles (106 km) north of Del Rio in Val Verde County. It's named after the Devils River, which flows through it with exciting whitewater sections.
Contents
What Makes Devils River State Natural Area Special?
This natural area is a mix of different landscapes. It has parts of the Edwards Plateau, which is known for its hills and springs. It also includes the Tamaulipan mezquital, a dry area with thorny bushes. Plus, it touches the Chihuahuan Desert, which is famous for its unique plants and animals that can live in dry conditions.
A Look Back in Time: History of the Area
The Devils River area has a long history. Long ago, Native American tribes like the Comanche, Kiowa, and Kickapoo lived here. They left behind amazing artwork in rock shelters.
Ancient Art: Rock Paintings and Pictographs
Archaeologists have found 53 rock shelters in the area. Inside these shelters, there are ancient paintings called pictographs. Some of these paintings are very old, dating back to about 3000 BC. One famous pictograph shows a "Buffalo dancer," which tells us about the culture of the Native Americans who lived here. You can also see red panthers painted on the rocks.
Important Events: Skirmishes and Falls
The area has seen some historical events. In 1873, a Texas Ranger named Captain Pat Dolan had a fight with Native Americans near a waterfall. This waterfall is now called Dolan Falls, named after him. Dolan Falls is special because it has the largest amount of water flowing over it in all of Texas!
Protecting Nature: How the Area Became a Park
The land that is now Devils River State Natural Area was once a large working ranch. In 1988, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department bought this land. They wanted to protect its unique ecosystems and history. This made it a state natural area, a place where nature is preserved for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Exploring the Wild: Plants and Animals
The Devils River State Natural Area is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It's a great place to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
Amazing Wildlife: Who Lives Here?
One of the cool animals you might find here is the Mexican free-tailed bat. These bats are known for flying in huge groups. The area also has many other animals that are suited to its desert and plateau environments.
Unique Plants: What Grows Here?
You'll see a variety of trees and plants in the natural area. Common trees include live oak, pecan, and sycamore. These plants are important for the animals that live there and help make the landscape beautiful.
Visiting Devils River State Natural Area
This natural area is a very remote place. It's surrounded by private ranches, so it feels truly wild. Because it's so far out, visitors need to be well-prepared.
Planning Your Trip: What to Know
If you want to float down the Devils River, be ready for a long adventure. A trip on the river usually takes about three days. There are no modern conveniences like stores or restaurants in the area.
Staying Safe: What to Bring
Campsites are available for visitors who want to stay overnight. However, you must bring everything you need with you. This includes food, water, and all basic supplies. It's very important to remember that visitors are required to take everything they bring into the area back out with them. This helps keep the natural area clean and protected.
Images for kids
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Dolan Falls, a major waterfall in the natural area.
