Martin Dies, Jr State Park is an unusual park in that it has two sections (Hen House Ridge Unit and Walnut Ridge Unit) that are separated by Hwy 190.
Since I have separate track files for each section, I will log them separately. This log covers the trails in the Walnut Ridge Unit (i.e., the Wildlife Trail, the Island Trail and the Shelter Trail). For the rest of the Martin Dies, Jr. State Park trails, you can read my other log of the Walnut Ridge section here.
I started my hike on the Wildlife Trail. Unfortunately, the only wildlife I encountered were flies, gnats and mosquitos. Lots of them. I recommend you liberally apply DEET on your clothes and skin before you hit the trail. I did not and ended up dodging and swatting the whole way.
The Island Trail was nicer. There are a couple of long wooden foot bridges that give you a spectacular view of the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir and the many birds that live and feed there.
The Shelter Trail is a short cut off that leads to the Shelter Area. 'Nuff said.
