Trails Information
Trail descriptions and points of interest at Bastrop State Park.
Explore the place where nature and history meet in the Lost Pines.
- Houston toad
Discover rebirth in this living laboratory of loblolly pines as the forest reveals a new cycle of life following the 2011 Bastrop County Complex wildfire. Native Americans, Spanish explorers, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees, and now YOU can explore the only ecosystem the endangered Houston toad calls home. Welcome to the woods!
Trails
All trails are hiking only unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piney Hill Spur | 0.3 mi. | Moderate | Camping in Piney Hill? Connect to the rest of the trails here. Halfway down the trail, see exposed Carrizo sandstone like the CCC used to build park structures in the 1930s. |
| Pine Warbler Trail | 0.3 mi. | Moderate | From the playground area, wind through native grasses down toward the Scenic Overlook Trail and Post Oak Spur. Look for animal tracks in the sand near Copperas Creek. |
| Post Oak Spur | 0.5 mi. | Moderate | Enjoy the shade of post oaks before hiking this hilly, rocky trail. If you connect with the Pine Warbler Trail, this route will take you to the Refectory. |
| Farkleberry Spur | 0.4 mi. | Moderate | This gently sloping route connects to the Scenic Overlook Trail and is great for beginners. Keep a sharp eye out for birds, especially in the morning! |
| Lake Spur Trail | 0.2 mi. | Moderate | Hike from the day-use areas or campgrounds to the lake using this short spur. There is no trailhead parking at the lake for this trail - plan to park at the Farkleberry Spur trailhead or Scenic Overlook. |
| Tree Army Trails | Up to 4.5 mi. | Easy | On the hilly trails north of the park road, wind through stands of loblolly pines and enjoy scenic views of the park. Some parts of the north side will be challenging for all trail users due to slope and curves. On the south side of the park road, linger by Lake Mina for some family fishing. These trails on the south side are wheelchair accessible and great for strollers. All Tree Army Trails are hike and bike. |
| Scenic Overlook Trail | 1.7 mi. | Moderate | From the scenic overlook, a steep descent leads to the major artery of the inner loop trails that follow Copperas Creek. Discover the original CCC hike-in picnic area. |
| Lost Pines Loop | 8.2 mi. | Challenging | The longest backcountry trail in the park covers a diverse landscape – from steep hills to gradual descents. Take plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. Use Harmon Road or the power line as a landmark or to make a loop (mileage not included in total distance). |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Mina | 30.1095° | -97.2888° | Feel free to fish in this hand-dug pond, but swimming isn't allowed here. |
| Historic Golf Shelter | 30.1095° | -97.2839° | Built by the WPA, generations of Texans began their golf experience here until 2015. |
| Refectory | 30.1087° | -97.2822° | This iconic building helped Bastrop State Park qualify as a National Historic Landmark in 1997. |
| Scenic Overlook | 30.1113° | -97.2694° | Across from the CCC water tower, take in an incredible view of the Lost Pines landscape. |
| Nature's Handiwork | 30.1089° | -97.2762° | With the help of prescribed burns, this area will grow into a healthy pine forest. |
| Bracken Ferns | 30.1065° | -97.2760° | Enjoy the sprawling understory of ferns, an ancient type of plant with fossil records dating to 55 million years ago. |
| Fehr's Overlook | 30.0992° | -97.2694° | Nestled on the top of Fehr's Overlook Trace, a historic CCC shelter overlooks the park. |
| Historic Water Fountains | 30.1052° | -97.2764° | Discover the hidden CCC treasures throughout the original day-use area of the park. |
Staying Safe
- Know your limits. Prepare for sun and heat. Wear sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate clothing/hiking shoes.
- Drink plenty of water. Your body quickly loses fluids when you’re on the trail. Bring a quart (32 oz.) of water per hour of activity.
- Tell others where you’ll be. If possible, avoid exploring alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals may live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
- Endangered species habitat. Pause at Houston toad ponds but do not disturb! Keep your pets on a leash and watch where you step.
- Look up, down, and all around for hazards. Beware of falling trees and limbs above you, especially during high winds! Don’t stand under dead trees. Watch out for stump holes at your feet.
Trail Etiquette
- Check at headquarters for trail closures. Certain trails may be closed during prescribed burns or for other resource management work.
- Campfires are not permitted on trails due to the potential for ground scarring and wildfires. Smokers, please discard cigarette butts in designated containers.
- Trash your trash. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Help preserve Texas Heritage. Please do not disturb, remove, or deface any of the park’s plants, animals, artifacts or CCC structures.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
