North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook - Short Lazy 8 Route

Leg 1 -  Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Scenic Loop > Lower Slick Rock > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Camp > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook     3.2 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > Javelina > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Ghost Camp Shortcut > Lower Ghost Camp > Upper Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > North Slick Rock > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > dirt road parallel to Lower Big Hill > Rocky Creek Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead     3.2 miles

Temps started at 58, ended at 80.  Sunny with intermittent 0-5mph breeze.

The Monarchs are migrating!  The park is on their migration path and as the temperatures warmed up, the Monarchs were very visible as they rested on the pecan trees and fed on the gayfeather flowers that are in bloom.  The river still has water in it but the water is no longer flowing into the reservoir.  Hopefully, we will get more rain and get the water flowing again.

Near Cougar Overlook on the return leg, I encountered three good sized feral hogs (photo attached).  They began to walk toward me on Javelina Trail but when I made a noise they immediately broke contact and went back into the bush. 

Not many birds were out but I spotted Curved Billed Thrashers, Scissortails, Cardinals and a few others. 

All in all, an easy and very pleasant hike.

NOTES -

Info kiosk and a bicycle repair station are available at Bell's Trailhead.  Water and shade available at nearby campsites.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at River Bend Campground.

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