Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Miles and Directions
NOTE: All arboretum trails are clearly identified with marker posts.
0.0
Start at the Willow Oak trailhead at the east side of the parking area. Head due east on
the trail.
0.1
In less than 0.1 mile reach the junction with the Palmetto Trail, which crosses Willow Oak
from north to south. Continue east on Willow Oak.
0.2
In less than 0.2 mile reach the T where Willow Oak Trail ends at the Outer Loop Trail.
Turn right onto the Outer Loop Trail and follow it south.
0.4
Bear left (east) and pass the North Meadow Trail on the right. Continue following the
Outer Loop Trail around the meadow on the right, heading southeast and then bearing
south.
0.5
Continue on the Outer Loop Trail as it passes the South Meadow Trail to the right (west).
A sign states to pond.
0.6
Continue following the Outer Loop Trail south and pass the Muscadine Trail on the right
(west). Bear slightly left (east) while following the Outer Loop.
0.8
Reach a wooden bench and sign on the left for the Charlotte Couch Birding Trail. Turn left
onto the narrow out-and-back path, heading southeast.
1.0
Reach a boardwalk that leads up to the Charlotte Couch Memorial Bird Walkway. The
wooden platform overlooks Buffalo Bayou. A sign warns of the presence of alligators.
Backtrack to where you left the Outer Loop.
1.2
Reach the T with the Outer Loop Trail and turn left, heading west. Follow the trail as it
bends left (northwest).
1.4
Pass a semicircular clearing on the right that is about 60 feet across and 30 feet deep.
1.7
Reach a junction on the right where a short connector trail leads east to the Inner Loop
Trail. Continue on the Outer Loop Trail, making a sweeping semicircle to the left, heading
southwest, and then bend right heading north.
2.1
Reach a junction on the right (east) where Arrow Wood Trail T's into the Outer Loop.
Continue following the Outer Loop Trail as it heads north and then bends hard right, head-
ing east.
2.3
Reach the junction where the R. A. Vines Trail crosses the Outer Loop from north to
south. Continue following the Outer Loop as it bears east.
2.4
Reach the junction where the Alice Brown Trail crosses the Outer Loop. Turn right onto
the Alice Brown Trail, heading southeast. Cross the Arrow Wood Trail and continue follow-
ing the Alice Brown Trail.
2.5
End the hike at the back of the visitor center and arrive back at the parking area.
