Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Start the Cardinal Trail at the trailhead on the north side of the parking lot. There is a large map on a
mounted board by the fence just before the park entrance. Near the gate are restrooms and a water
fountain. The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. There is scant tree canopy on the trail to give
shade, so be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat.
Take the connector path by the gazebo to reach the analemmatic sundial—an interesting spot to
spend a few minutes. Stand on the month of the year etched in concrete; if the sun is shining, your
shadow will be cast across the time of day. Returning to the trail, turn right and head north.
Reach a low stone wall and follow the left leg of the loop, heading north toward I-10. Complete the
loop, returning to the starting point. Take the trail left (east) and cross two bridges over South Mayde
Creek. There are apartment buildings on the left. Follow the trail as it uses the underpass for Memorial
Drive. This section of the hike goes through the park playground and picnic area.
Cardinal Trail ends and the Blue Jay Trail starts. Memorial Mews Street is on the left. An exit from
the trail leads to the Molly Pryor Memorial Orchard—an interesting twenty-minute side trip. The creek
continually running alongside the trail adds interest to the hike. Pass some exercise stations and a “run-
ner's shower.” At this point, South Mayde Creek flows into Buffalo Bayou. Bearing southeast, reach
the Eldridge Street bridge and cross over the bayou. Going under the bridge to the southeast side leads
to Quail Trail, an out-and-back hike of several miles.
Turn right at the end of the bridge and follow the trail along Buffalo Bayou. The right edge of the
trail slopes down to the bayou. The edges are tree and bush covered, ideal habitat for birds. There are a
few up-and-down slopes and squiggles to the right and left as the trail heads northwest. Benches are
placed strategically along the trail's edge if you need a rest.
Reach a footbridge on the right (northeast); cross over Buffalo Bayou and continue following Blue
Jay Trail along South Mayde Creek. Depending on the season, this section can have numerous birds,
including robins, cardinals, wrens, and butterflies. Numerous loblolly pines are scattered along the
trail's edge. Some earth mounds have been built on the left of the trail to help hide commercial devel-
opment. Follow the trail north and under Memorial Drive to arrive back at the parking area.
