|
Berry Springs has trails for hikers, bikers, nature lovers, dog walkers, equestrians and joggers. There are more than 7 miles of trails to choose from taking you through diverse nature areas, alongside springs, creeks and waterfalls and around an historic pecan orchard. You are also welcome to stop and pet the friendly donkeys who love the attention or view the historic buildings!
|
| Main Galleries |
|
| |
|
Muy Grande Loop
|
|
This loop has something for everyone! Birders love to walk through the tranquil and extensive pecan grove (pick up the pecans!). Be sure to pass by the dam and enjoy the cool air of the water wall. Walk over a wetland and through the forest growing along Berry Creek and be sure to stop at the bridge and have a look at the adjacent springs and slough. The path breaks out into a blackland prairie that is often filled with wildflowers. At the northwest end of the loop are found the primitive camping areas (10 sites) on both sides of the path.
|
| |
|
Pecan Grove Loop
|
| Berry Springs is famous for its wonderful and extensive pecan orchards. The huge pecan trees are not only beautiful but they also attract interesting birds year round. Squirrels and pecan lovers roam the orchards during pecan season picking up bagfuls of tasty nuts to take home and enjoy. After a good rain the low spots fill with water and support a variety of interesting frogs.
|
|
| |
|
Meadow Loop
|
|
The meadow loop takes you around a large blackland prairie filled with native grasses, wildflowers and even some wild animals! Every time you visit you will see something new from plants to dragonflies to prairie birds. Take a healthy walk or bike ride around the prairie or just relax and enjoy the beautiful flowers. This prairie, like nearly all prairies, is slowly being restored with the help of many volunteers to all of its former glory before humans came along and began farming the land.
|
| |
|
Mill Pond Loop
|
| This very popular trail takes you by many of the interesting water features found in the park. On the northern part of the trail you will walk over and along several sloughs. The sloughs support a large variety of wildlife including turtles, crayfish, frogs, birds and snakes! Do not assume the snakes are harmless although most of the snakes seen in this area are harmless. The boardwalk on the west side takes you alongside Berry Creek and over the seeps below the dam to the spillway waterfall. On the east side the trail joins the Orchard loop and meanders alongside stately pecan trees.
|
|
| |
|
Spring Loop
|
|
On this trail you will see the beautiful springs after which this park is named. Relax on the banks or bring
a fishing pole and test your fishing skills. Be sure to release all catches so that others can enjoy the fishing as well. Birders will enjoy the
variety of water birds that visit the springs. Animal watchers love watching a family of northern river otters playing in the water or a harmless ribbon snake swimming across the Mill Pond.
|
| |
|
Susan Blackledge Trail
|
| This trail spans nearly the entire length of the park. It is popular with hikers, bikers, birders and runners. During the summer it is also the site of a number of races including the popular Saturday morning races! This is the site for the year round Vern 5k race that occurs every third Saturday of the month at 8am. It begins at the south end of the Pecan Groves and takes you northward through large meadows, along the forest edge next to Berry Creek and finally into the forest at the start of the Nature Trails at the North end of the park. |
 |
| |
|
Cedar Grove Loop
|
|
This trail begins at the cactus garden on the Nature Loop. This changes rapidly into a shady tranquil and mature forest of Mountain Cedars (Juniperus asheii) and emerges into a savannah often filled with wildflowers and a large variety of plants.
|
| |
|
Nature Loop
|
| The Nature Loop takes you through many different habitats. You can walk through deep forest, along a burbling stream, through beautiful glades and natural savannah, along wetlands and into a cactus patch. As a result you will see many different wildflowers in those diverse habitats. The path is intentionally kept primitive to minimize it's impact on nature and this can be seen in the variety of birds and other wildlife that occupy the area.
|
|
| |
|
Campground Loop
|
|
Set amongst a beautiful field of grass and wildflowers you will find 16 improved campsites with parking and areas for tents. Water and showers are available at the restrooms. Sites may be reserved for up to 14 days during any 30 day period. It is only a short walk to the pecan groves, the springs and ponds and the nearby historic loop. More info.
|
| |
|
Equestrian Trail
|
| This 2 3/4 mile long trail was created especially for equestrian fans. It traverses nearly the entire length of the park beginning near the campgrounds and ending up in the north meadow. You will see peaceful Liveoak forest, huge and beautiful pecan trees and pass through beautiful glades often filled with wildflowers.
You will need to bring your own horses and must attend an orientation of the trails (call 512-930-0040) prior to using this trail.
|
|
| |
|
Youth Bike Trail
|
|
Just north of the improved camping area is a trail created just for adventurous youth bikers. It includes several nice ups and downs that kids can use to challenge their biking skills. |
| |
|
Historic Loop
|
| Visitors of the park are often first greeted by Lil'Bob the current occupant of a historic barn built more than 50 years ago. You can see here how Lil'Bob is searching for that last bit of tasty grass. Traveling northward along the path you will first pass the Tonkawa Pavilion where large groups often get together to celebrate. Continuing onward you will see the the old Cemetery where members of the Berry family have rested for up to 150 years. Around and adjacent to the Cemetery are several beautiful and tranquil commemorative gardens. Finally you will pass by the caretakers old home that was built nearly a century ago.
|
_africanus_Bob.jpg "Image courtesy of C. Newsom")
|
| |
More Galleries
|
Useful Links
|
_africanus_Bob.JPG "Image courtesy of C. Newsom")