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Walk through the swamps by markthurman53 Brazos Bend State Park is just southwest of the Houston Metro region with over 5000 acres of Bottomland and Upland Coastal Prairie. The wetlands and forests are home to birds, deer, wild boar, and alligators. There are over 300 species of birds, 21 species of reptiles, and 23 species of mammals. The various species of oak and pecan trees make up some of the largest trees in the forested areas. This park has some impressive large oak trees. Brazos Bend Park has accommodations for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping. The main watercourse in the park is Big Creek with its many side creeks and lakes that eventually drain into the Brazos River on the East side of the park. There are over a dozen trails most of which are in the 1 to 2-mile range and easily connected to make longer day hikes. This is a great place to view the many species of birds and unexpected encounters with alligators. See park literature for more details. 40 Acre Lake Trail This is a 1.2-mile trail that goes around 40 Acre Lake. The trail is paved or hard-pack dirt for its entirety. This is an excellent trail to view alligators, some within 10 feet. The alligators, at least on my encounters, were pretty docile just lying in the sun. Of course, you give them their space and don’t as the park says “irritate” them.From the trail there are great views over the lake with many species of birds; Herons, egrets, ibis, and anhinga to name a few. On the far northeast corner of the lake is a wood tower/observatory that will allow an elevated view over 40 Acre Lake and marshes to the north of Pilant lake. At this observatory is the junction with the Spillway trail that is the link trail to more trails in the park. This is a good trail to start out on and connect other trails to make up a good half-day walk to view the park's west side. If you are used to trails in the southwest US then this trail will be quite different even a little eerie with nothing around you but swamp, there is no off-trail hiking in this stuff. Check out the Official Route and Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||






