Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway

Park Alert...

Trails Information

Natural diversity, recreational activities. . . your outdoor adventure begins here.

Roadrunner perched on stump
Greater Roadrunner

Known for fishing and boating, the Lake Somerville State Park complex offers so much more. Owls announce their presence as you hike through a post-oak forest. White-tailed deer leap through waist-high bluestem grasses as you bike past them. Saddle your horse and pack your tent!

Trails

All trails are hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.

This list may not include all trails in the park.

Caution: Hunters are active at Flag Pond until noon during hunting season. Check with park HQ for more information.

Trails Distance Time Difficulty Description
Lake Somerville Trailway 13.4 mi. 6 hrs. Challenging The gem of the Lake Somerville State Park Complex, Lake Somerville Trailway provides users with a terrific avenue to experience the great outdoors.
Wilderness Run
(Birch Creek)
1.3 mi. 1 hr. Moderate This trail takes you on a trip along a beautiful creek bottom filled with an abundant variety of wildlife.
Sunset Trail
(Birch Creek)
0.9 mi. 1 hr. Moderate In addition to fine sunset views, the trail affords great views of native prairie grasses and mature hardwood trees.
Honeybee Hill Trail
(Birch Creek)
0.4 mi. 20 min. Easy This easy, wheelchair-accessible trail connects to the Lake Somerville Trailway.
Cedar Creek Loop
(Nails Creek)
2.1 mi. 1.5 hrs. Moderate Offers great access to fishing and wildlife-viewing.
Flag Pond Loop
(Trailway)
1.7 mi. 1 hr. Easy This trail offers exceptional, unobstructed views of Flag Pond. While you’re here, take a look at the control structures that help us manage this wetland for migratory birds.
Alligator Loop
(Trailway)
1.5 mi. 1.25 hrs. Moderate Venture down the sand hill to this loop trail. It provides great fishing on Yegua Creek. You may spot a resident alligator sunning itself along the creek bank.
Gerdes Spur
(Trailway)
1.6 mi. 1.5 hrs. Moderate This spur trail is a converted old ranch road that provides equestrians with an enjoyable, secluded ride.
Sandy Slough Trail
(Trailway)
2.1 mi. 2 hrs. Moderate Perhaps the most picturesque trail in the Lake Somerville State Park Complex, this primitive trail skirts Yegua Creek and passes through mature hardwoods and seasonal wetlands. Check with headquarters for conditions.
List of Trails

Points of Interest

GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.

Point Latitude Longitude Description
Birch Creek Fishing Pier 30.3098° -96.6183° On a good day, you can catch lots of crappie and catfish here.
Cistern 30.3183 -96.6183° The cistern marks the location of an old homestead, reflecting an era before the advent of modern water supply.
Eagle Point 30.3199° -96.6156° Bald eagles have been sighted here!
Newman Pad 30.3259° -96.7120° A reminder of the diverse history of land use at Lake Somerville, this location is one of many in the park where petroleum was extracted from the ground up until the 1980s.
Flag Pond 30.3008° -96.6900° At more than 300 acres, Flag Pond is managed as a habitat for migrating birds.
Scenic Overlook 30.2955 -96.6714° Come here for great birding and a view of the main creeks that feed Lake Somerville.
Picnic Hill 30.2954 -96.6647° As its name implies, this area offers a fine spot for a picnic with an excellent view of the lake.
Rocky Point 30.2949° -96.6541° This spot provides excellent fishing and some spectacular sunrise views.
List of Points of Interest

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 mountain biking, check with park HQ to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
  • Potentially harmful plants and animals may live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on the trails. Do not approach wildlife!

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. Please don’t disturb or remove any of the park’s plants, animals or artifacts.
  • Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.