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. |
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. |
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.