Here's what to expect at new 351

Trueheart Ranch Park contains 351 acres pecan orchards, livestock grazing and riparian woodland that fronts on the San Antonio River. I've hiked alone many times and have had no problems. It's a

Trueheart Ranch Park contains 351 acres pecan orchards, livestock grazing and riparian woodland that fronts on the San Antonio River.

I've hiked alone many times and have had no problems. It's a great, peaceful escape from my social and work life. However, hiking by myself at Trueheart Ranch Park, a new 351-acre park that opened on San Antonio South Side, maybe wasn't such a good idea. From the gloomy weather to the stray dogs, it was hard to shake an eerie feeling at the park.

Don't get me wrong. Trueheart Ranch Park, located at 14984 Blue Wing Road, San Antonio, TX 78221, is a nice primitive property with historic value. I just started off on the wrong foot after driving down the winding road to get to the property — a very large loose dog ran into the side of my car, barked at me, and started to chase me into the park. Then, at the entrance of the park, there was another large loose dog hanging out at the gate.

I also was the only person at the park at around 8:30 a.m. On top of the scary dogs and cloudy weather, the abandoned ranch structures and closed-off ranch house gave me an eerie feeling. Aside from that, it's a great spot to see history up close and hike a 1-mile loop trail.

I tried to explore the park but left early after feeling uneasy being there alone.

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After I dodged the dog at the gate, I parked in the parking lot across from the white house, which is not open to the public. You're welcomed with signs that will give you a detailed history of Trueheart Ranch, which has a historical context that dates back to the early 19th century.

The main two-story stone ranch house, called "Casa Vieja," was built by James L. Trueheart, who obtained the property after marrying Petra Margarita de la Garza. Petra's father, Jose Antonio de la Garza, was granted the land by the Mexican government in 1824. Trueheart improved the land by digging out old irrigation ditches and building new ones. He divided it into a number of small farm plots before he died in San Antonio in 1882.

The property was purchased by James and Petra Trueheart and developed in 1848 for agricultural and irrigation purposes.

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James L. Trueheart and his father-in-law, Jose Antonio de la Garza were key figures in the history of the property.

Petra sold off 372 acres of land, including the ranch house, to the San Antonio Hunting and Fishing Association in 1902. C.A. Goeth, a board member of the association, bought the property and managed the ranch together with his son. Together, they brought back the lands.

The family also had the ranch house recognized as an early Texas historic landmark in 1994. The property was later sold to various owners before it was sold to the San Antonio River Authority in 2015.

There's a trail inside the park that didn't have any mileage on it. I walked for about half a mile before turning around and walking back to the parking lot.

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Today, the park is in the beginning stages, which is why it can feel eerie because there isn't much to the park other than the historical structures and small loop trail. There's a long gravel road that leads you to the Acequia Trail, which is about 1 mile long.

Before you get to the Acequia Trail, there are structures to the side, like a red barn and old scale house, that will catch your eye. There's also a stone marker that reads: "Pecans Planted 1920-22, High Water Mark Sept. 27 - 46, C.A. Goeth & Sons." On September 27, 1946, a flood occurred in the streams of San Antonio due to heavy rains, according to the United States Geological Survey. Property damage occurred throughout San Antonio and in areas to our south, and four lives were lost.

There's also a stone marker that read: "Pecans Planted 1920-22, High Water Mark Sept. 27 - 46, C.A. Goeth & Sons."

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Near the stone marker, you'll find the Acequia Trail, which is probably best to hike in the early morning hours or late afternoons as you can't escape the sun. There isn't access to the San Antonio River yet, but officials hope to provide future amenities in the next several years.

Overall, it's a cute park if you're a history buff in the area. It felt eerie to me because of the random dogs, the abandoned ranch equipment, the weather, and the closed ranch house. I wasn't alone in the spooky vibe because Brendan Gibbons felt it too based on his exploring of the ranch for the San Antonio Report.

I would go back with a group of people and a stick (to fend off the dogs if they are still there).

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Here's what to expect at new 351