Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center

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Trails Information

Back to Nature

Former fish hatchery ponds go wild at Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center. You can hike, fish or view the results of sustainable resource management: land reclaimed by nature and filled with native birds, fish and grasses. 

Trails

All trails allow hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated. Boardwalks are for hiking only; bicycles not permitted. 

This list may not include all trails in the park. 

Trail Distance Time Difficulty Description
Pond Loop Trail 0.6.mi. 30-60 min. Easy Walk this half-mile trail past 28 naturalized fish hatchery ponds, which provide habitat for wading birds, frogs, alligators and other aquatic animals. 
Prairie Trail & Wetland Loop 0.6 mi. & 
0.2 mi.
30-60 min. Easy To see the restored coastal tall-grass prairie and seasonal wetlands, take these trails from the prairie parking lot or the Swamp Rabbit Trail
Swamp Rabbit Trail 0.4 mi. 15 min. Easy Stroll under the ever-changing tree canopy. Along the way, keep an ear out for woodpeckers  that prefer the trees along this trail.
Bent Pine Trail 0.2 mi. 10 min. Easy This pine-shaded trail loops through a former hatchery pond that demonstrates nature's ability to survive change.
Armadillo Trail 0.08 mi. 5 min. Easy This shady forested trail links the Pond Loop to the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Kinglet Trail 0.07 mi. 5 min. Easy Cross from the Swamp Rabbit Trail to the Pond Loop Trail through this dry pond. 
List of Trails

Points of Interest

GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.

Point Latitude Longitude 360° Views
Description
Pond Crossing 29.8569° -95.1625° View of the Pond Crossing A dramatic crossing of one of the park's naturalized ponds on the Pond Loop Trail. Look for alligators, frogs, turtles and aquatic birds.
John Jacob Observation Tower 29.8586° -95.1643° View of John Jacob Observation Tower

View from a middle deck of the tower

View overlooking the lake

View overlooking the park
Ascend over 60 feet to see the restored prairie and Sheldon Lake, as well as the downtown skyline.
Wildlife Viewing Platform 29.8611° -95.1592° View from the Wildlife Viewing Platform Watch the plants and animals of the prairie and wetlands change throughout the seasons from this 6-foot-tall covered platform.
Aquatic Lab 1 29.8586° -95.1616° View of Aquatic Lab 1 See this shallow pond equipped for aquatic study as part of the park's interpretive/educational programs.
Fishing Deck 29.8578° -95.1611° View of the Fishing Deck Ponds stocked with sunfish, catfish and largemouth bass provide a great first-time, catch-and-release fishing experience.
Pond Pavilion 29.8584° -95.1606° View of the Pond Center Adjacent to the picnic area, this modern, open-air building showcases green design and provides shelter and park information.
List of Points of Interest

Staying Safe

  • Alligators live in this park. Stay at least 30 feet away. Stay out of the water! Never annoy or attempt to feed!
  • Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You'll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
  • 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. 

Trail Etiquette

  • Trash your trash. Keep the park natural. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
  • Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick and more likely to harm people.
  • Keep pets on leashes to keep them safe and to protect wildlife.
  • We need to know about your caches. Please check with park headquarters before placing geocaches within the park.
  • Take only memories and pictures. Help preserve nature. Leave all plants and animals in the park.