Park Mid-Section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook and Back

Out     -  Burkett Park > Ws to LL Connector > Rollercoaster > West Potts Creek > Potts Creek > Turkey Creek > 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (N) > Cougar Overlook       5.9 miles

Return -  Cougar Overlook > service road (SW) > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park     3.1 miles

Temp started at 38, ended at 58.  Overcast with SW winds starting at 0 and growing to 15-20 mph.  At the end of the hike, some sunlight shone.

Easy hike along dry, easy to see and traverse trails. Overcast, cold day made the vast majority of birds and animals to stay in place. I saw a pack of 20-25 javalinas at the beginning of the hike when I was on Rollercoaster Trail.  First, a javalina was startled by my approach and jumped up, then I noticed others were on both sides of the trail. I tried to not frighten them and let them regroup as I moved slowly forward and was able to pass the majority of them without causing them to panic.  

I saw a lone raptor fly overhead and saw a Loggerhead Shrike sitting on a branch. One other bird of note - on the way back, I spotted a single Robin perched on the top of a tree - this Robin was the first I've seen at the park in a long time. When I brought my camera up for a photo, he took off.

Much trash was picked up and I decided to include a photo to illustrate the reason people should pick up after themselves. I pick up whatever trash I find while hiking, not only for aesthetic reasons but because of the harm the smallest item of trash can do to the wildlife.

NOTES

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.

Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.

Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.