Trailway Information
Natural diversity, recreational activities. . . your outdoor adventure begins here.
- Greater Roadrunner
Part of Lake Somerville State Park’s complex, the trailway offers a view of post oak forest and grasslands from any saddle. Hiking, biking and horseback riding all provide unique perspectives of the trailway. Bring binoculars and your sense of wonder as you discover wildlife and seasonal blooms along the route. Saddle your horse and pack your tent!
- TrailwayTrails Map | PDF
- Interactive Trails Map
- Trails information for:
Trails
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. |
| Honeybee Hill Trail (Birch Creek) |
0.4 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | This easy, hard-packed hike and bike trail connects to the Lake Somerville Trailway. |
| 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) |
1.7 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. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic Viewpoint | 30.2955° | -96.6714° | No photo available | Come here for great birding and a view of the main creeks that feed Lake Somerville. |
| Flag Pond Observation Center | 30.3073° | -96.7015° | View of Flag Pond - coming soon | At more than 300 acres, Flag Pond is a managed habitat for migratory birds and other local wildlife. |
| Newman Pad | 30.3259° | -96.7120° | No photo available | 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. |
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.
- Bike safely. 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.
