Out      Playground Parking Area > Tasajillo Flats Trail > Nature Loop Trail > Lanky Lackey Trail > Roller Coaster Trail > West Potts Creek Trail > Armadillo Ridge Trail > East Potts Creek Trail Signpost               4.9 miles

Return  East Potts Creek Trail > Burkett Trail > Winding Snake Trail > Chapparal Trail > Playground Parking Area    3.7 miles

This hike is described in detail in my prior log entry of 4/16/2014 and titled "South Shore Playground - Armadillo Ridge Loop".

The temps were in the low 60's, a light breeze, lots of birds singing and in the four hours I was hiking, I saw only one mountain biker on the trails - what more can you ask for ?!?

For those sharp eyed readers who noticed the mileage discrepancy between my prior log entry and this one - I use a pedometer and although I try to keep the same stride on each hike, it is apparent I do not.  One of these days I may get a GPS unit and record precise mileage but until then, my pedometer is what I use as a mileage recorder.

Out       Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Big Hill Trail > Badlands Trail (Horse) > Service Road  > Upper Ghost Camp     3.4 miles

Return   Upper Ghost Camp Trail > South Slick Rock > Scenic Loop > Service Road > Rocky Creek Trail > Service Road > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead    2.0 miles

This hike begins and ends at Bell's Trailhead located in the North Shore portion of the park.  The longest stretch is Dinosaur Trail which goes West and then South through mostly open areas before going into mesquite and prickly pear groves.  Near the actual dinosaur tracks, there is an info kiosk and water for humans and horse plus shade - no tables!  Continue on Dinosaur Trail which breaks at the Big Hill you will climb - this hill is the most difficult climb in the entire park!  Once you top the hill you will walk a short distance on the plateau; you can take either the trail to your left or the dirt road, until you come to the cattle gate.  Cross the gate and look to the right for the signpost for Badlands Trail (Horse & Hiker).

Suggest you take this trail and follow it to the end which is at a service road - River Bend Trail for Horse & Hiker is directly across the road and is marked as such.  Turn left (East) on the service road and hike it a short distance to the ghost camp where you will follow the road to the left - straight will take you down an old boat ramp.

A dry toilet, info kiosk and water for humans and horses is located here.  On the East side of the picnic tables, you will see a dirt trail - this is the Upper Ghost Camp Trail and you will go left (North) .  The trail ends at a cattle gate which you cross and you'll immediately see the signpost for South Slick Rock which you will take.  Follow it to the end and you will come to a junction.  Go slightly right on the service road and within 50 meters you will see the trail and signpost for Scenic Loop on the right.  Take it all the way and it will lead back to the service road once again, at a cattle gate.  

Cross the gate and there are a few benches under a shade tree.  The service road goes to the right but you want to look to the left at about 10 o'clock.  You'll see a service road which you will take for about a quarter mile at the most.  Watch for a signpost for Rocky Creek Trail on your right; follow the trail when you come to it.  This trail is an almost a straight line through prickly pear and mesquite trees.  At the end of the trail, you will come to a "Y" - take the left leg of the road.  You'll drop down the road and back up the other side.  Continue along the road and you'll see the signpost for Shady Trail.  Get on the trail and follow it back to Bell's Trailhead.

NOTES -

Water is available along the Dinosaur Trail approx 1 - 1.5 miles down the trial.  Water also available at the Upper Ghost Camp which may be called "River Bend Campground" on some maps.

Out      Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Upper Big Hill Trail > Dinosaur Trail > North Slick Rock Trail > Lower Ghost Camp Trail   3.7 miles

Return  Service Road (West) > River Bend Trail > Badlands Trail> Service Road > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead      2.7 miles

This route will take you in a loop along the upper 1/3 of the North Shore portion of the park.

Starting at Bell's Trailhead, you will walk along a dirt road for 50 meters or so until you come up to the beginning of the Dinosaur Trail which heads West.  The trail goes through open areas, somewhat rolling terrain and a few places where there are mesquite trees.  As you follow the trail, you'll cross a dry creekbed and on the other side, an info kiosk, water and shade is available.  It is also where you will see the dinosaur tracks.

Leaving this area, you will go from single track trail to a dirt road with lots of shade from the mesquites.  After a short distance, Dinosaur Trail will appear on the left and reverts back to a single track trail.  Continue to hike the trail as it meanders SE and South.  You'll begin climbing, not severe, and will eventually head downhill before coming to a junction where you will see a signpost for "Upper Big Hill" - take it and climb the steep rocky road.  When you crest the hill, you are on a dirt road on the plateau.  Recent construction on the right has nothing to do with the state park.

Anyway, continue on the dirt road and you will come to a cattle gate, go through it and look to your left, you'll see Dinosaur Trail once again.  Continue on this trail to the end and you will reach a junction where you'll see the signpost for North Slick Rock and South Slick Rock trails.  Take the North Slick Rock trail.  Follow the trail as it goes up and down along rocky terrain - easy to see.  The trail ends at a cattle gate and you are now at the River Bend Campground where an info kiosk, lots of covered tables, a dry toilet and water for human and horses is available.  Suggest you fill your water containers!!

Looking East, you'll see the river and a rocky trail; this is the Lower Ghost Camp Trail.  It will take you along the edge of the camp and down alongside an abandoned concrete boat ramp.  The trail goes along the boat ramp and then goes to the right which goes up hill into another ghost camp.  Another cattle gate you'll go through and stop.  You are at the end of the "Out" portion of this hike.

At this point, you are on an old service\asphalt\dirt road that goes West.  Take this road and on the right hand side (North) of the road near the end, you'll see the signs for River Bend Trail - I suggest you take the Biker and Hiker trail.  This trail goes for a relatively short distance before connecting to the Badlands Trail which you will follow to the end.  As always, I suggest you stay on the hiker/biker trail.  At the end of this trail you come to a service road at the top of a plateau.  Look slightly to your right and follow the service road down.  At the base of the hill, you' re at the same spot you were earlier when you went on the North Slick Rock Trail.  

OK, you will turn left on the service road and follow it to the cattle gate which you'll cross. There are a few benches under the pecan trees if you need a break - no water available.  You will stay on the road by going right and continue until the road makes a sharp left turn; instead of going on the road, look directly ahead to the trail.  Go down the side of a dried creekbed and up the other side where you'll look to the right for the Shady Trail signpost.  

Shady Trail has shade and is a pleasant dirt trail to walk.  Follow it to the end at you are back at Bell's Trailhead.

Out    Playground > Tasajillo Trail > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Rollercoaster Trail > West Potts Creek > Armadillo Ridge Trail > Junction of Armadillo and (East) Potts Creek Trail       5.1 miles

Return  (East) Potts Creek Trail > Burkett Trail > Winding Snake > Chaparral Trail      3.3 miles

This loop takes you West then North from the South Shore playground parking lot along the western edge of the park to Armadillo Ridge before going east then south back to the playground area - in effect, this route forms a large rectangle.  This hike encompasses most of the South Shore's trails and goes just a little further into what I call the middle section of the park.  All the trails are easy to follow and are for the most part, composed of small rock and dirt; some inclines but nothing severe.  Mesquite trees are starting to leaf out and a few cactus are blooming notably the horse crippler and lace cactus.  Nesting time is beginning as well so many song birds can be heard and seen establishing their territory.

Starting at Tasajillo Flats, you head West and then North as the trail takes you through mesquite groves, open spaces and lots of native grasses.  The trail ends at the connection with Nature Loop trail and there, you will turn left (North).  A short distance away a junction appears and you turn right (East) onto the bigger portion of Nature Loop.  

Nature Loop Trail ends nears the entrance to Isabel Harte Multiuse Area; Lanky Lackey starts directly across the road.  Take Lanky Lackey to the end and you connect to Rollercoaster Trail - aptly named but not extremely difficult to hike.  Rollercoaster is a long trail and at one point, the trail is on a dirt road for a short distance before the trail re-emerges on the right.  At trail's end, West Potts Creek signpost is visible; take it and follow to the end which connects to Armadillo (Ridge) Trail.  

Follow Armadillo Ridge trail East until it connect to (East) Potts Creek Trail - there is a signpost at the junction.  Take East Potts Creek which goes South, and you will come to the signpost for Burkett Trail.  Follow the trail along the bottom edge of the finger of land where Pulliam Point is located and continue in a southerly direction to Burkett Park where dry toilets, water, an info kiosk and shade are.

Winding Snake Trail signpost can be easily seen and you will follow the trail South.  The trail runs for a little over a mile and ends at a gravel road at the Isabel Harte area.  Follow the gravel road to the end and you will see the signpost for Chaparral Trail which drifts South and West.  Take the trail across the ravine and up the next side.  Continue on this trail and you will eventually cross a paved road.

After walking for awhile, the trail will look like it terminates at the end of an embankment. Directly ahead is the signpost for Talley Valley which you will NOT take; instead, you will turn left on the gravel road and walk for about 30 meters and look to the right for the remainder of Chaparral Trail.  Follow to the end and you are back at the playground parking area.

NOTES

(1)  Info kiosk, water and toilets are available at the starting point, Playground parking area, and a little past the midway point, Burkett Park.

(2)  Trail names - Not all the trail names match what is on Google Earth and the trail map.  Some signposts have various spellings - for example "TasajillA Flats" and "TasajillO Flats" for the same trail, the eastern portion of Potts Creek Trail is labeled "Potts Creek" whereas the western portion is labeled "West Potts Creek" AND in this case, Google maps has Armadillo Ridge Trail connecting to Burkett Trail and Rollercoaster Trail omitting any mention of east or west Potts Creek Trail.  I have tried to be as consistent as possible in the names in my log entries.  Please purchase a park map for $3 at the South Shore gatehouse.

(3)  Time of hike - Don't assume the time listed is an indication of the terrain or trail's difficulty in traversing it; when I hike, I'm in no hurry!!  I take photographs, pick up any trash I find along the trail, watch the birds and enjoy being with nature.   

Out      Burkett Park > Burkett Trail > East Potts Creek > Armadillo Trail > Playground Trail > Flintstone Trail        3.2 Miles
Return  Dirt Road > Asphalt\Gravel\Dirt Road > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park     2.3 Miles

This loop will take you through the park's mid-section before returning along the eastern edge of the park .  Turn around point is where Turkey Creek, River Bend and Flintstone Trails meet.  The return route is along old park roads until you get to Burkett Trail.  

Enter through the South Shore gatehouse and drive a couple of miles to Burkett Park which is the trailhead for the Burkett Trail.  You'll head North along a hard packed dirt trail with a few sections of loose, small rock.  Lots of red earth here!  Near the mid-point of this trail, you'll walk beneath Pulliam Point on the left - this is the furthest point on the South Shore you can drive to.  Rounding the point, the trail is narrow, climbs slightly and full of small rocks.  Be aware of bicyclist on the trail - it is somewhat narrow and you will have to give way.

Follow the trail and at a small junction, stay to the right, you'll cross a bridge over a dry creek.  Continue straight to the end and you'll see a signpost for Potts Creek across a dirt road - this trail is actually East Potts Creek Trail although some maps, and Google Earth, call it "Armadillo Trail". 

East Potts Creek is mainly flat, hard packed dirt and meanders through mesquite groves.  Near the end of this trail you'll climb a bit and come to a signpost for "Armadillo".  Go to the right.

As you climb this trail, keep you eyes open when you reach the crest.  You'll see an abandoned picnic area and you need to look for a dirt path leading into the day use area.  Take the dirt path and follow it to a cattle water tank.  Near the tank, look for a straight dirt path that is a little to your right (about 45 degrees - North).  Follow it and you will connect to the Playground Trail.  Unfortunately, there is no signpost marking this trail but if you come to a road and look right, you'll see an abandoned pavillion shelter.  Cross the road and follow the trail. About 50 meters or so you should see another trail on your right, join this trail - continue to go straight.

Now, this is where having a laminated map of the trails (available for $3 at the South Shore gatehouse) comes in handy.  You will stay on the Playground Trail for quite awhile and it has switchbacks which may confuse you.  The trail is rocky and narrow in places as it takes you along the edges of some fingers of land.  Easy rule of thumb - the trail is very clearly defined and although there are a few loops in the trail, follow it generally ENE to Bell's Point, a local landmark where a marker, covered table and water is available. 

When you leave Bell's Point you are still on Playground Trail for a short while.  Again, no signpost but just follow the easily seen trail, not the old road.  The trail will take you down into a valley and through mesquite groves until you come to a dirt road.  At this point, you'll see a signpost for Flintsone Trail - once again, Google Earth does NOT show this, it says Playground Trail continues when it actually ends at this point.

OK, cross the dirt road and you're on Flintstone trail.  Follow it until you come to the junction of River Bend, Turkey Creek and Flintstone Trails which is on your left.  Water for humans and horses, an info kiosk and a shaded table are here.  Suggest you fill any water containers you have.

On your departure you will look East and see a straight dirt road - follow it.  This road is very easy to travel and will end at a water tank (I would NOT use it to fill my water containers but horses may drink from it).  Follow the bend in the road to the right and within 50 meters, you'll come to an old asphalt road.  Look to the left and you'll see a gate which is accessable for hikers but for this trip, you will go to your right and follow the asphalt road  heading West.  

Follow the road as is gradually drifts south and west and changes from asphalt to gravel.  When you come to a junction where the road changes to dirt on the left, go left (WSW).  Follow this road as it takes you back towards Pulliam Point and the signpost for Burkett Trail which you take back to Burkett Park and the end of this trip.

NOTES -

(1)  the Playground Trail is probably the least well marked trail in the park.  I believe there is only one signpost denoting this trail and it is where Flintstone ends and Playground begins.  I strongly suggest you look for the cattle tanks at the abandoned day use area on Armadillo Ridge.

(2)  Some of the official State of Texas Longhorn Herd is located at the park.  On this hike, I saw quite a few of these cattle on the other side of the fence right before I got on the asphalt road but I ran into some others wandering loose further along the road itself.  Leave them alone especially if calves are present.  

(3)  I cannot emphasize enough my suggestion to buy one of the laminated trail maps available at the South Shore gatehouse.  Cost is $3 and well worth it.

(4)  Suggest you do a satellite recon using the map linked to this report (I do not have the capability to mark my trial) and follow the route I took by going to the Earth view and looking at the actual terrain. 

Of note, Google Earth does NOT list Burkett Park or Burkett Trail.  Both are easily found though  by zoooming in where Lanky Lackey and Rollercoaster Trail meet.  Look to the  ENE and you will see a parking area with an out building and covered table; that is Burkett Park.  Burkett Trail begins here and you can easily follow it to the trail marked "Armadillo Ridge" which is an incorrect designation.  The signpost on teh ground reads "Potts Creek" and it is the eastern trailhead for the trail.  Google Earth also lists "Playground Trail as starting earlier than it really does at Armadillo Ridge (the abandoned day use area on the finger of land).

(5)  While some of my directions may be confusing, rest assured you cannot get lost in this park!  Western edge is FM 2288 and the Eastern edge is the dried lakebed.  On many of the trails, you can look around and see where you are in relation to the lakebed and some prominent landmarks.  For example, at one point along the gravel road on the return leg, I could clearly see my car parked at Burkett Park a few miles away.

Out     Chapparel > Talley Valley > Horny Toad > Nature Trail > Tasajilla Flats Connection     1.0 miles

Return  Tasajilla Flats Trail > Playground parking lot    1.8 miles

   This route begins at the South Shore's Playground Parking Lot.  The easy to follow trails gives you a chance to stretch your legs while seeing a good sample of the South Shore. You will go North through the lower middle portion of the South Shore portion of the state park before heading West along the Tasajilla Flats Trail which drifts West, South, then East and ends at the starting point. All trails are easy to follow and the biggest difficulty will be footing on some of the small, loose rock on the hike.  

Out (WSW) ---  Bell's Trailhead > Dinosaur Trail > Upper Big Hill Trail > Dinosaur Trail > Badlands Trail > Riverbend Trail to end    5.9 miles

Return (ENE) --- Flintstone Trail > Javalina Trail > Lower Riverbend Trail > Lower Ghost Camp Trail > South Slick Rock > Scenic Loop > Shady Trail > Bell's Trailhead     4.4 miles

OVERVIEW - This route encompasses all the North Shore's major trails.  The northern portion of the park has more ecological diversity compared to the southern portion.  Pecan trees, the North Concho River, and more open spaces are just a few features which differentiate the two sections of the park.  

At the parking area by Bell's Trailhead and along Shady Trail, there are numerous pecan trees which attract squirrels and a colony of American Robins who live here year round.  Evidence of beavers is present along the river although I have not seen one.  

As you walk along Dinosaur Trail, you'll see long rows of felled mesquite trees.  Some years ago, there was a mesquite tree eradication project where the trees were cut down and laid in long columns to be harvested at a later date - some of those trees are now being harvested.  

About 3/4 of the way along Dinosaur Trail, you'll come across a normally dry creek bed. When you get to the kiosk, you'll see a fenced area.  On the other side of the fence in the creek bed, are dinosaur tracks but thede tracks are not as clear cut as the tracks located in the Dinosaur Valley SP at Glen Rose.  Water for horses and humans is available.

Following the trail, you'll walk through mesquite trees and then open areas until you come to the Big Hill.  Climb it by following the rocky road, at the top is Bell's Cross where you can scan the area.  Continue south along the road and you will come to the Badlands Trail.

The trail is mostly dirt with some small rock but is very easy to traverse.  Continue along this trail to the well marked River Bend Trail.  Recommend hikers take the Horse/Hiker branch as it takes you in a more direct route to your ultimate destination.  Follow this trail until you come to the junction of River Bend, Turkey Creek and Flintstone Trails.  An information kiosk, canopy covered table and water are available.

Departing along Flintstone Trail you are now heading ENE toward an area overlooking the North Concho River known as Cougar Outlook.  You can get a good view of the river as well as the now dried lake bed.  You will also see the marker for the Javalina Trail.

Javalina Trail is easy to hike, mostly dirt and small rock although there is a spot fairly close to the beginning of the trail where you have to hike over large flat rocks.  Near the end of the trail, you will connect briefly with the Lower River bend Trail for about 50 meters then you will see a gravel/dirt road and a post for Lower Ghost Camp Trail.  

This trail will take you through two ghost camp areas that are not used.  Continue on the trail and you will run parallel to a small creek that may have water by a concrete boat ramp (no longer used).  You are now at the River Bend Campground which has a dry toilet, info kiosk and water.  This campground is used on a few occassions but not too often.  

At the end of the trail you will come to a gate and on the other side is the sign for South Slick Rock Trail.  Be advised the dirt and rock is very loose and it is easy to fall.  At a certain point, you come to a branch, go right and it will take you down to the dirt road. If you go left or straight, you will be on the Upper Slick Rock Trail which will take you up and to Bell's Cross.  

If you follow the right branch, you will descend slightly and go down to a dirt road.  Look about 100 feet away and on the right, is the Scenic Loop Trail post.  The Scenic Loop wanders through pecan trees and gives you a view of the North Concho River.  Watch for Great Blue Herons!

At the end of Scenic Loop you come to another gate.  Go through and follow the dirt road to the right.  Maybe a quarter mile along the road, you will see the sign for Shady Trail and can see the path.  Be careful going down the dry creek because the dirt is loose.  Follow the signs to Shady Trail.  

You will wander through a narrow trail above and alongside the North Concho River lined with tall pecan trees.  Look for signs of beaver activity!

The end of the trail is at Bell's Trailhead.

NOTES -

(1)  Water for humans and horses is available at the Dinosaur Trail track area, the southernmost point of the River bend Trail and at the ghost camp of River Bend Camp.  

(2)  Some of the official State of Texas Longhorn Herd are at San Angelo State Park. They are moved from place to place to graze and you may encounter them while hiking.  PLEASE close all gates you pass through and do not disturb the animals; especially if there are calves around.

(3)  Some trails in the park have separate paths designated Bikers and Hikers, Horses and Hikers or Multiuse.  These paths may run parallel to each other and some will join for certain distances.  Use the path designated for your mode of travel - there have been incidents of bikers and equestrians being on the wrong path which have caused discord.  The park has informed everyone they will enforce the rules and fine offenders who use the wrong path.

(4)  Prior to coming to the North Shore, visit the South Shore park station and buy a laminated satellite view map of the park.  Cost is $3 and well worth it.

(5)  Suggest you stock up on water prior to the hike and you always stop to refill your water carrier at every opportunity - especially in the Summer as the temps can easily reach the 100's. 

(6)  The park is large and has numerous trails and roads that can be hiked, biked or ridden on horse.  Although the park advertises having over 50 miles of trails, you really can't get lost.  The park is bordered by FM 2288 on the West edge and the dried lake bed on the East edge.  The park is approx eight miles in length from North to South.

Dirt and rock trail, inclines and declines but mostly level. Trail starts at the playground parking lot and meanders West before winding North.  Trail well traveled and easy to follow. As you walk or bike, you will see birds, cactus and mesquite trees. Solitude is the predominant feature of the hike. Although the park is at San Angelo's edge, the park is so large it is not uncommon to hike for hours and not see a single person on the trails. Traffic noises can be heard from FM2288 but they can be tuned out.  This trail terminates at The Nature Trail.