Trails Information for Birch Creek Unit
Cast a line to catch more than fish.
- Greater Roadrunner
From bird watching to exploring miles of multiuse trails, the sights and sounds of nature will surround you at Birch Creek. Spend your morning strolling through the gently rolling landscape and your afternoon along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Somerville. What new discoveries will you reel in?
- Birch Creek Unit Trails Map | PDF
- Interactive Trails Map
- Trails information for:
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 headquarters 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 hikers, bikers, backpackers, anglers and equestrians an avenue to enjoy the outdoors. Start your Trailway adventure at the Birch Creek Unit or Nails Creek Unit, or access the middle section from the Newman Bottom parking area. Check with park headquarters before you venture out for information about trail closures. |
| Wilderness Run | 1.3 mi. | 1 hr. | Moderate | This quiet trail weaves through the park while offering a chance to see a variety of wildlife. Connect to Sunset Trail or Bucktail Run for a longer trek. |
| Bluestem Bend Trail | 1.0 mi. | 30 min. | Easy | Follow the lake shoreline on this easy trail. Enjoy an excellent view of the intersection where Birch Creek feeds into Somerville Lake. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen! |
| Eagle Point Trail | 0.4 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | Take a short hike to a scenic lookout point or pack a picnic to enjoy under the shade of the oak tree. Watch for birds like bald eagles that are known to nest in the area. |
| Beautyberry Trail | 0.9 mi. | 1 hr. | Moderate | Wildflowers bloom along this quiet trail. Look for pollinators among the flowers and tall grasses. Be sure to visit throughout the year to watch the colors change. Don't forget to bring your camera! |
| Bucktail Run | 0.7 mi. | 45 min. | Easy | This forested trail connects Wilderness Run to Beautyberry Trail. Enjoy a break alongside the Family Fishing Pond or bring a pole to try and hook a fish! |
| Honeybee Hill Trail | 0.4 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | Enjoy the shade of the trees along this hard--packed, accessible trail. Listen to the songbirds as you stroll along the short loop or enjoy a longer hike by connecting to the Lake Somerville Trailway. |
| Sunset Trail | 0.9 mi. | 1 hr. | Moderate | Catch a glimpse of the sunset as you meander through mature hardwood trees and native grasses. Hear the waves on the lake shoreline and the call of owls as dusk approaches. |
| Cardinal Bend | 0.6 mi. | 30 min. | Easy | Bring your binoculars on this easy loop to catch the bright red flags of the northern cardinal as well as other wildlife. Connect to Wilderness Run or Bucktail Run trails for an extended trek. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birch Creek Fishing Jetty | 30.3098° | -96.6183° | View of Birch Creek Fishing Pier | On a good day, you can catch lots of crappie and catfish here. |
| Cistern | 30.3183 | -96.6183° | View of the Cistern | 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° | View from Eagle Point | Bald eagles have been sighted here! |
| Trailway Entrance | 30.3089° | -96.6367° | No photo available | Start your Trailway adventure here! |
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. When mountain biking, check with park headquarters 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!
Caution: Hunters are active at Flag Pond until noon during duck hunting season. Check with the park headquarters for more information.
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.
