Trails Information
Trail descriptions and points of interest at Fairfield Lake State Park.
Discover a natural crossroads on the shore of Fairfield Lake.
- Largemouth bass
With grassland prairie to the west and pine forests to the east, Fairfield Lake has the best of both worlds for you to explore. Take your time on the hiking, biking and equestrian trails that wind through towering trees and past scenic overlooks. Or, find a new favorite fishing spot on the 2,400-acre lake.
Trails
All trails allow hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birdwatching Trail | 0.7 mi. | Moderate | Watch for blue herons, osprey, or red-winged blackbirds from this trail. If you’re visiting in winter, you may get to see bald eagles! |
| Dockery Trail | 5.3 mi. | Moderate | This hiking, biking and equestrian trail winds through the forest, and has a few steep elevation changes. Parts of this trail are on the park road; use caution, and watch for vehicles. |
| Nature Trail | 2.0 mi. | Easy | This hiking and biking trail meanders along the shoreline, between the forest and the lake. |
| Scenic Loop | 0.4 mi. | Easy | This family-friendly loop is great for hiking and biking. Take a rest on the park benches and see what wildlife you can spot. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Point | 31.7834° | -96.0664° | Did you know the original boat launch was located here? Drop a line and stay a while. |
| Cemetery | 31.7684° | -96.0735° | Visit the Chancellor Union Cemetery and discover area history. |
| Hill Homestead Well | 31.7815° | -96.0566° | Imagine what life was life for settlers here as you visit this historic well. |
| Ski Cove Overlook | 31.7934° | -96.0522° | Rest for a moment at this quiet overlook - what wildlife do you see on the lake? |
| Dockery Trail Overlook | 31.7585° | -96.0616° | Watch your step as you peer into the forest canopy from this overlook on a bluff. |
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 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.
- Wear a helmet when biking. Check with park HQ to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Wear a life jacket. The law requires that all children under age 13 wear one with adult supervision while boating.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick. Please do not feed them.
- Take only memories and pictures. Help preserve nature. Leave all plants and animals in the park.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
- Campfires are permitted only in fire rings provided at each site. No ground fires are permitted due to potential for ground scarring and wildfires.
- Share the trail. Hikers yield to equestrians; bikers yield to hikers and equestrians.
