The Best Hiking Trails in Brazos Bend State Park
With more than 37 miles of trails circling the area's many lakes and guiding you through lush hardwood forests, Brazos Bend State Park offers vacationers plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty of nature. Set by sections of wheelchair-friendly pathways and more challenging and demanding trails, Brazos Bend State Park cabins make for a vacation suitable for all ages and abilities.
-
1. Horse Shoe Lake Loop
This easy 4.6-mile loop takes you around Horse Shoe Lake and Elm Lake, with plenty of wildlife to see, including alligators. A 30-foot tower on the trail provides excellent views across the park.
-
2. Live Oak Trail
This easy 4.3-mile trail through the forest is ideal for children and skirts the southern boundary of the park. You'll have the chance to spot a variety of wildflowers as you journey to 40-Acre Lake.
-
3. Elm Lake Loop Trail
This wheelchair-accessible trail circles Elm Lake and covers 1.7 miles in total. This trail is also popular with mountain bikers and trail runners, giving everyone loads of space with its wide pathways.
The Best Family Activities in Brazos Bend State Park
Families visiting Brazos Bend State Park will discover a variety of engaging activities designed to keep everyone happy. With easy access to educational afternoons learning about the park's natural history to organized horseback tours and ranger programs, Brazos Bend State Park hotels ensure you don't miss out on all the area has to offer.
-
1. George Observatory
As part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the George Observatory offers access to large telescopes for watching the night sky. Additionally, the Expedition Center and Discovery Dome host a range of educational activities throughout the year.
-
2. Horseback Riding
With 13 miles of trail alongside primitive equestrian campsites, Brazos Bend has plenty to keep horse-lovers occupied. Explore the park on horseback and experience the great outdoors at a slower pace.
-
3. Nature Center
The Nature Center at Brazos Bend State Park offers vacationers the chance to learn about the park's three ecosystems. Take a closer look at the resident alligators, snakes, and tarantulas or pick up a few souvenirs to take home at the gift shop, which is open during the week.
-
4. Wildlife Sightings
Brazos is home to a diverse mix of wildlife including alligators, over 300 species of birds, white-tailed deer, and a variety of fish, reptiles, and insects. Other mammals here include feral pigs, raccoons, squirrels, river otters, bobcats, foxes, and more.