Burkett Park to Bell's Trailhead
User:
MikeHikes - 5/28/2015
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Distance: 19.30 Miles
Duration: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > Flintstone > Javalina > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (N) > Scenic Loop > service road (ENE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 8.8 miles
Return Bell's Trailhead > service road (S) > Dinosaur Trail > Upper Big Hill > Badlands > River Bend > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (W) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett Park 10.5 miles
Low 80's, light wind increasing in intensity as the hike progressed, partly cloudy sky with periods of bright sun.
This is the first time I've had a chance to walk the northern trails since the big rain storms of a few weeks ago which flooded the northern section of the park and brought the OC Fisher lake from less than 1% to almost 14% full.
To put it briefly - all the northern trails have flood damage including flood debris blocking the trail, embankments near the trail being washed away (which I believe will cause the trail to be re-routed for safety reasons), damage from the Longhorns using the muddy trails and making them very difficult to traverse, overgrown vegetation masking the trails and making snake avoidance difficult and finally, the ever present stagnant mud and MOSQUITOES.
This is not to say the trails in the park's trails in the mid-section and southern portions were pristine; they are not, but the storm's effects are negligible in comparison with the exception of the overgrown vegetation and numerous mosquitoes.
The mosquitoes were incessant - at one point while on Roller Coaster, the buzzing I heard was so loud, I thought I was walking past a beehive, but I quickly realized mosquitoes were making the noise. I didn't bring bug repellent so I was constantly swatting and killing mosquitoes in all the low lying areas I traversed yet I still counted 30 bites the following morning.
As the day progressed, the winds picked up so when I was in areas that were higher up and in the open, the mosquitoes weren't as bad but when I had to go into the dips and valleys - it was a constant battle!!
The positives of the recent rains far outweigh the negatives and I will be prepared for future hikes by bringing lots of repellent!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water amd shade available at Bell's Point (near the northern end of Playground Trail).
Water, shade, amd info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction (River Bend, Turkey Creek and Flintstone intersection). If you follow my route you will visit this on both legs of the trip. I STRONGLY advise you to hydrate as much as possible when visiting - there is one water area in the northern portion of the park and if you follow my return route, this is the last water area as you hike back to Burkett Park.
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Overlook (junction of northern end of Flintstone and Jvaalina trails).
Shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Campground (ghost camp) near the northern end of the Lower Ghost Camp Trail. Water is also available for ANIMALS only.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at the Dinosaur tracks area along Dinosaur Trail (about 1.5 miles South from Bell's Trailhead). This is the ONLY water area in the northern portion of the park.
Park Mid-Section Burkett to Bell's Point Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 5/24/2015
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Distance: 4.80 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Route Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > Bell's Point 2.4 miles (return same route)
A fitness hike with friends - weather was warm, light breeze and sunny.
After the recent rains, the park vegetation is growing even more! The trails were dry and the only difference is some of the looser topsoil was washed away.
I had the opportunity to meet Mr Bell at Bell's Point where he was enjoying the day. I thanked him for all the work he had done for the park - Bell's Point, Bell's Trailhead (North Shore) and Bell's Cross (near Big Hill) are all named after him in recognition of his over 30 years of volunteer work.
NOTES -
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point.
South Shore Playground to Burkett Park
User:
MikeHikes - 5/21/2015
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Distance: 7.70 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Out Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett Park 4.3 miles
Return Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 3.4 miles
Cool, windy, overcast day.
With all the recent record setting rains, the North Shore of the park is closed so we decided to see what damage, if any, was done to the South SHore trails. Besides occassional muddy spots on the trail, the trails were in pretty good shape. The vegetation is growing and in some cases, it covers the trail(s) but the damage was a lot less severe than I though it would be.
Saw a few birds and lots of cactus blooms! Otherwise, not much to report.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett park.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Lower Ghost Camp Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 5/3/2015
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Distance: 6.40 Miles
Duration: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Route Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > service road (SSW) > Scenic Loop > service road (SSW) > Lower SLick Rock > Lower Ghost Camp > service road (West) > River Bend (NNW) > Badlands > Upper Big Hill > Dinosaur Trail > service road (N) > Bell's Trailhead 6.4 miles
This was a fitness hike with friends. Temps in the lower 80's, sunny and a good breeze.
At the trailhead, Fido found a non-poisonous snake which caused the snake to immediately slither to safer surroundings. A lot of the trails are overgrown with some type of weed hanging over the trail. When I walked through them, the weeds would get into my hiking shoes and stab my ankles. Numerous times I had to stop and clean my shoes and socks.
When we were on the service road west of the Lower Ghost Camp, we saw a tiny horned toad (photo attached) about the size of a half dollar. A little further down the road, Fido found two horned toads which I assume were mating. Pretty good day to see three horned toads so close together.
The hike was a little longer than expected but on a positive note, I was able to verify the accuracy of my pedometer by comparing it to a GPS app and the readings were almost identical.
NOTES
Water for animals ONLY, info kiosk, shade and dry toilets available at Upper Ghost Camp.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at Dinosaur Tracks area.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook
User:
MikeHikes - 5/2/2015
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Distance: 11.30 Miles
Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo > Turkey Creek > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Overlook 5.9 miles
Return Cougar Overlook > Flintstone > Playground > Armadillo > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 5.4 miles
Temps in the low 70's, sunny and breezy. As the day progressed, the temps increased to the low 80's by the time we finished.
A relaxing hike along the western trails and a return along the eastern trails. MANY flowers in bloom and I saw the first cactus flowers of the year on the Playground Trail south of Bell's Point!
Numerous mountain bikers, hikers and two trail runners were encountered - all meets were conducted courteously by both parties. It was very unusual to see soo many people on the trails. Birds continue to sing their mating songs and with the numerous flowers blooming and filling the air with their scent --- it was a very pleasant day with a noteable exception.
Unfortunately, and I hope it was by accident, two good sized lizards were smashed by mountain bikers at different locations; one was still alive but suffering so I had to decapitate him with my knife; the ants were already feasting on the head and body by the time I had cleaned and stowed my blade.
Please be aware of where you place your feet or roll your tires - watch out for the park's small inhabitants, enjoy the scenery and don't worry so much about how fast you finish your ride or hike.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction (intersection of northern end of Turkey Creek and southern end of River Bend trails). If you follow my route, you will return to 5 Points after you leave Cougar Overlook along Flintstone Trail.
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Overlook.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point (near the northern end of Playground Trail).
Park Mid-Section Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 4/28/2015
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Rating:
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Distance: 4.20 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Route Burkett Park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo > Turkey Creek > service road (East) > Armadillo Trail > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 4.2 miles
Temps is the upper 50's, overcast, a few spots of light rain and a light northerly breeze.
Did a fitness hike in the late afternoon to stretch the legs and clear the lungs. Saw one Roadrunner on Roller Coaster Trail and a few other birds, otherwise, no other park natives.
I re-calibrated my pedometer based on GPS readings and discovered I had short-changed all my prior log's mileage reports by 5-9%. I plan to keep checking the distances recorded by the pedometer vs the GPS unit (I don't own the GPS - a hiking partner does) when I can and try to get my pedometer as accurate as possible. Oh well, better to under-estimate rather than over-estimate, my mileage.
Ending this on a positive note - this is my 100th log entry!!!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
South Shore Fitness Loop Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 4/26/2015
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Distance: 3.00 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Route Playground parking lot > Fitness Loop 3.0 miles
Fitness hike along the newest trail in the park (it's about a year old but I've never walked it). It is a wide dirt path that loops an area near the camping areas in the park. Nothing spectacular about it.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking lot.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Bell's Point
User:
MikeHikes - 4/26/2015
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Distance: 5.50 Miles
Duration: 2 hours
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > Bell's Point 2.5 miles
Return Bell's Point > service road (West) > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (East) > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.0 miles
A good hike with friends! Low 80's, sunny and steady winds.
With the rains, the trails are looking overgrown. If the wind dies, the gnats become vicious and will attack my legs, arms, ears, nose and eyes -- no fun there!
The longhorns are in the park's mid-section so be cautious. We had a nursing cow rapidly approach us to the consternation of all; I assumed there was a calf nearby but we didn't see one. A fellow hiker commented perhaps the cow was in distress so a call was made to the park office and I hope the cattleman comes check his charge.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water for ANIMALS available at Armadillo Ridge.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point (near the end of Playground Trail).
South Shore Playground parking area to 5 Points Junction
User:
MikeHikes - 4/22/2015
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Distance: 13.40 Miles
Duration: 5 hours, 15 minutes
Out Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction 7.1 miles
Return 5 Points Junction > Flintstone > Playground > Armadillo > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 6.3 miles
Low 70's, overcast and variable wind to start, low 80's, overcast and steady wind on the return leg.
Nobody else was on the trails although there were ferocious swarms of gnats which would attack when the wind died down. As the hike continued, the winds became steady and the gnats went away.
I saw one dead garter snake with no indication of what had killed it. Also found, on a different section of the trail, a dead lizard and again, no indication of what killed it. On a positive note, I saw about five lizards at various times and locales while on the hike.
Lots of birds, the lace cactus and bee brush are blooming as well as a great number of wild flowers scattered throughout the park. Very pleasant scents during the entire hike.
No animals and no rattlers seen!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground paring area.
Water, shade, info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point (return leg on Playground Trail).
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park (return leg at junction of Burkett and Winding Snake trails).
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Armadillo Ridge Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 4/19/2015
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Distance: 3.80 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Route Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > service road (West) > Turkey Creek > Armadillo (West) > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett Park 3.8 miles
Upper 70's, sunny and a good breeze.
A fitness hike along familiar trails as I try out my new Teva sandals. Had some serious rainfall on Friday but there were only spots on the trails that were muddy - overall most of the trails were dry. Nothing else to report except it was a good walk while having a good conversation amongst good friends.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Cattle tank of water for animals on Armadillo Ridge.
South Shore Playground parking area to Burkett Park
User:
MikeHikes - 4/13/2015
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Distance: 6.10 Miles
Duration: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Out Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Horny Toad > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett Park 3.2 miles
Return Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.9 miles
Temps in the low 70's, overcast and very light wind.
Had a little rain last night but the trails were only slightly muddy. Vegetation was wet though so after a short time on the trails, my feet were soaked. We saw one small snake on Horny Toad - it was thin and had a greenish coloring; I saw the lower half on the trail and when I raised my camera to get a picture, the snake slithered off into the bushes. No rattles, no worries!
Flowers continue to bloom and the birds are singing for mates. Quail spotted again and again so there should be quite a few young ones in the near future.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Chaparral Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 4/12/2015
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Distance: 4.30 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Route Burkett Park > Suzanne's Trail > Lanky Lackey > Nature Loop > service road (E) > Chaparral > Winding Snake > Burkett Park 4.3 miles
Temps in low 80's, sunny and a good breeze.
Hiked with a friend just to stretch the legs and get some fresh air. Bee brush is beginning to bloom in the south part of the park so the scent of vanilla was detected. No snakes although we talked to a woman who saw three rattlers on Winding Snake trail a few days earlier. All the more reason to slow down and watch where you step.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at Chaparral Pavillion - where service road and Chaparral trail meet.
Trailhead to Trailhead Burkett Park to Bell's Trailhead trails only route
User:
MikeHikes - 4/8/2015
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Distance: 17.30 Miles
Duration: 7 hours, 20 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > Flintstone > Javalina > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (N) > Scenic Loop > service road (NE) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 7.5 miles
Return Bell's Trailhead > service road (S) > Dinosaur > Upper Big Hill > Dinosaur > service road (W for .1 mile) > Badlands > River Bend > Turkey Creek > Armadillo > West Potts Creek > Roller Coaster > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 9.8 miles
Started the hike in the low 70's, overcast, humid and a good west breeze. Ended in the 80's, overcast, humid and the same wind.
I wanted to hike from trailhead to trailhead using as many trails as possible. So I went North on the eastern trails and returned on the western trails.
I saw two horned toads, lots of bird activity and of course, lots of blooming flowers and other plants. Very noticeable was the scent of vanilla from the "just beginning to bloom" bee brush plants throughout the route.
Although I was able to finish the hike, I wouldn't recommend this route in the Summer when the heat is in the upper 90's and above.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point (near the northern end of Playground Trail).
Water, shade and info kiosk avaiable at 5 Points Junction (about .75 miles north of Bell's Point on Flintstone Trail). If you follow my route, you will return to 5 Points at the southern end of River Bend Trail.
I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU HYDRATE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THIS IS THE LAST PLACE FOR WATER BOTH HEADING NORTH AND RETURNING SOUTH.
Info kiosk and shade available at Cougar Overlook (at junction of northern end of Flintstone and southern end of Javalina).
Info kiosk, shade and dry toilets available at the Upper Ghost Camp (near the northern end of Lower Ghost Camp Trail).
Water and info kiosk available at Dinosaur Track viewing area.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Bell's Point Fitness Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 4/5/2015
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Distance: 5.60 Miles
Duration: 2 hours
Out Burkett Park > Burkett trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > Bell's Point 2.4 miles
Return Service road (West) > Turkey Creek (South) > Armadillo (East) > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.2 miles
Fitness hike at the park - low 70's, partly cloudy and a nice breeze. Lots of bird activity as the mating season is here. The Black Throated Sparrow (Photo attached) was singing until I took his picture, then he departed.
Saw quite a few mountain bikers on the slightly muddy trails. Greetings were exchanged, trail etiquette followed and no bad feelings on either parties. A few small pieces of trash were picked up but otherwise, an uneventful yet relaxing fitness hike.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook
User:
MikeHikes - 3/31/2015
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Distance: 7.80 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo > Playground > Flintstone > Cougar Overlook 5.0 miles
Return Cougar Overlook > service road (West) > River Bend (South) > service road (SSW) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 2.8 miles
Warm temps, overcast and a breeze to keep us cool and keep the bugs off.
Hiked out through the park's eastern trails and returned along the service roads that ran alongside the long dried lakebed. Saw the first rattler of 2015 (photo attached); he was lying right alongside the trail. I saw him and we gave him a wide berth - he kept tasting the air as we moved around him but he didn't coil up nor rattle so I considered this a peaceful encounter.
Quite a few birds singing, agaritas and flowers continue to bloom. Saw more people on the trails than usual including two young female athletes training for a race in Montana - to each his own.
Stay safe on the trails!
NOTES
Water, info kiosk, shade and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water, info kiosk and shade available at 5 Points Junction (along Flintstone Trail).
Info kiosk and shade available at Cougar Overlook.
South Shore Playground to Burkett Park
User:
MikeHikes - 3/29/2015
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Distance: 6.30 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Playground parking area > Tasajillo Flats > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Suzanne's Trail > Burkett park 3.4 miles
Return Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.9 miles
Temps in the low 70's, sunny and a good breeze to keep the bugs away.
Nice hike at the park today. The yellow flowers are blooming and the butterflies are returning. I saw quite a bit of bird activity as the mating season begins. First hummingbird of the year was spotted!
I was so intent on looking for snakes that I didn't notice a large owl perched alongside the path not five feet in front of me until he leapt into the air and flew away. This caused numerous small birds to sound the alarm.
Another first for this year - saw a Texas spiny lizard (photo attached) sunning along the trail - he didn't mind having his picture taken and was in the same position as I left him.
NOTES
Water, info kiosk, shade and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, info kiosk, shade and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
North Shore Park Extension
User:
MikeHikes - 3/23/2015
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Distance: 6.00 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
NOTE - This section of the state park is on the West side of FM2288 directly across from the North Shore check-in gate. You can park by the toilets on the East side of FM2288 just past the check-in gate or on the West side of FM2288 by the swinging entrance gate to this section of the park. I recommend you park by the toilets.
Mild temps, sunny and a light wind made this hike enjoyable. I'd been to this section of the park last year and wanted to revisit it since I saw different birds nesting along the North Concho River which runs through. Unfortunately the words "runs through" are a misnomer - the North Concho River, as of this writing, consists of sections of water alternating with sections of dry river bottom; the drought continues.
Can't say much for the hike route itself. Since this section of the park is normally used solely by the park's longhorns and seasonal hunters, there are no hiking trails per se; consequently, we hiked on an overgrown dirt service road that ran parallel to the North Concho River - the road was very muddy in places.
I hoped to see Mississippi Kites nesting, as I had last year, but there were none. Only wildlife I saw today, besides the heron, was a single turkey vulture, cardinals, sparrows and some ducks on the river. I did see quite a bit of was trash - mostly fired shotgun shells, paper, and old cans.
Unless I want to look for juvenile Great Blue Herons, I don't think I'll be back to this section of the park anytime in the near future.
Trailhead to Trailhead Burkett to Bell's Trailhead
User:
MikeHikes - 3/19/2015
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Rating:
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Distance: 14.70 Miles
Duration: 6 hours, 25 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo > Turkey Creek > River Bend > Badlands> Dinosaur Trail > Bell's Trailhead 9.5 miles
Return Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > service road (S) > South Slick Rock > Lower Ghost Camp > service road (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 5.2 miles
Low 60's, partly cloudy, light wind to start and mid 70's, overcast and light wind when I ended.
This hike took me from the park's mid-section along the trails on the western edge of the park to the northern trailhead, Bell's, where I came back on some trails but mostly park service roads.
LOTS of agarita bushes in bloom and their scent was a constant reminder that Spring is here! Wandered at a leisurely pace and enjoyed the scents, sounds and sights of the park.
Another reminder of Spring was seen in the bird activity as well as the younger longhorns beginning to establish their standing in the pecking order by butting heads. Although my hiking route took me among them, I never felt threatened and I stayed away from the contests.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets at Burkett Park.
Water, shade, info kiosk and a porta toilet (unknown how long it will be here) at 5 Points Junction (junction of Turkey Creek and River Bend heading North).
Water, shade and info kiosk at Dinosaur Tracks area. LAST PLACE TO GET WATER FOR HUMANS IF YOU FOLLOW MY ROUTE.
Shade at Bell's Trailhead.
Shade, info kiosk, dry toilets and water for HORSES ONLY at Upper Ghost Camp (along Lower Ghost Camp trail).
Shade and info kiosk at Cougar Overlook.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Bell's Trailhead
User:
MikeHikes - 3/15/2015
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Rating:
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Distance: 5.20 Miles
Duration: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Route Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > service road (ENE) > Cougar Outlook > service road (WNW) > South Slick Rock > service road (N) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 5.2 miles
Return via vehicle to Burkett Park.
Low 60's, overcast and a light wind. I've wanted to do a trailhead to trailhead hike for some time and today I did a "junior" version. Easy hike with the vast majority of the miles hiked along service roads with the remaining short stretches, on trails.
In the northern part of the park, the longhorns are currently grazing. They are used to people, consequently, they are not shy and will get fairly close. Remember, they are NOT pets and should be treated with caution.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park. This is the ONLY place to get water for humans on the route - there are a few cattle tanks and horse troughs where water is available for horses.
Shade and info kiosk at Cougar Outlook.
Shade, info kiosk, dry toilets and water for horses available at Upper Ghost Camp.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Trail
User:
MikeHikes - 3/13/2015
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Distance: 1.20 Miles
Duration: 45 minutes
Warm, sunny day with a light breeze. Walked from Burkett Park along Burkett Trail and back.
Saw a solitary longhorn near the turnaround point. It looked like the same cow I saw in the same general vicinity last week. I talked to the park personnel on my way out and they assured me the longhorn was in good health and was properly looked after. For whatever reason, she wanted some solitude from the rest of the herd.
Also saw an AWACS plane (photo attached) which is very unusual for this area.
Nobody else on the trails; it was a good hike.
North Shore Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook
User:
MikeHikes - 3/11/2015
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Distance: 6.00 Miles
Duration: 3 hours
Out Bell's Trailhead > service road (South) > North Slick Rock > Lower Ghost Camp > service road (SE) > Cougar Overlook 2.7 miles
Return Cougar Overlook > service road (North) > Javelina Trail > Lower Ghost Camp > South Slick Rock > service road (North) > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead 3.3 miles
Foggy, lower 50's and overcast to begin but clear, lower 70's and sunny by the time we finished.
Saw quite a few birds out this morning as we tramped along the wet roads and trails. Some of the agarita bushes are blooming so the scent of mesquite smoke and honey was in the air. The trails were sticky in spots but by the time we finished, most of the mud had dried on the trails as well as on our hiking shoes.
NOTES
NO WATER for humans is available on this route - be prepared !
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Outlook.
Shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Upper Ghost camp (near the junction of Lower Ghost Camp and South Slick Rock trails).
Park Mid-Section Burkett to Armadillo Ridge Plus Fitnes Hike
User:
MikeHikes - 3/8/2015
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Distance: 3.70 Miles
Duration: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Route Burkett Park > Suzanne's Trail > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo Trail > Turkey Creek (North) > service road (East) > Playground Trail > Armadillo Trail > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 3.7 miles
Just a fitness hike with friends. Temps in the low 50's, overcast and slight breeze - no bad actually! The route looks more complicated than it is - basically, we went West for a short distance before heading North until we came to the first service road crossing Turkey Creek Trail. Followed it East until we came to the point where it crossed Playground Trail. Got on Playground Trail heading South and continued on the listed trails until we arrived back at Burkett Park.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets at Burkett Park.
South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge
User:
MikeHikes - 3/3/2015
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Rating:
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Distance: 9.30 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Out Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo Ridge (East) > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 6.6 miles
Return Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Playground parking area 2.7 miles
Foggy and overcast, low 40's to begin but temps rose to the low 60's, partly cloudy and no fog by the time we finished. The trails were damp and sticky in places making us stop a few times to knock the mud off our hiking shoes.
Found a pile of eight golf balls behind a agarita shrub along a trail - no idea why the balls were there. Saw a couple of road runners (photo attached) as well as other birds. One of the resident longhorns had wandered away from the main herd and looked out of place so we called park personnel to retrieve the animal - I assume they did. Not much trash besides the golf balls was found during the hike. The fresh air and exercise plus relaxing with a post-hike cigar and bottle of stout when I got home made this a very good day!
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Park Mid-Section Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook
User:
MikeHikes - 2/26/2015
[View Log Page]
Rating:
Difficulty:
Solitude:
Distance: 7.20 Miles
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Out Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo Ridge > Playground > Flintstone > River Bend > service road (ENE) > Cougar Outlook 4.5 miles
Return Cougar Outlook > service roads (WSW) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park 2.7 miles
Temp in the mid-30's, overcast and a strong northerly wind made this a cold, gloomy hike. We were dressed for the weather though so the only time it was bad was when the winds hit us in the face.
I wanted to do this route since I had not been on the service roads in quite awhile. Saw one group of three and one group of six, deer at different locations on the hike, some of the Official State of Texas Longhorns were seen on the way back and quite a few birds were flying about. Even though it was cold, all the animals still had to eat.
NOTES
Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.
Water and shade available at Bell's Point (near the junction of Playground and Flintstone Trails).
Water, shade, info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.
Shade and info kiosk available at Cougar Overlook.