Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Hike
Palmetto Trail
The Palmetto Trail is a self-guided walk with numbered markers, which are referenced in an interpret-
ive guide available near the trailhead. This flat, well-marked trail is wheelchair accessible. The shift in
elevation is nominal, but the shift in vegetation is remarkable. This short walk is the signature hike of
the park.
Pass several plant identification markers and then cross a footbridge over a swampy area. A sign on
the left tells about the hydraulic ram-jet pump located there, one of the few operational ram-jet pumps
in existence. This pump uses no electricity—instead, the energy of water flowing from an artesian well
moves the water from below ground to the water storage tower.
Thick stands of dwarf palmettos, only 3 to 4 feet tall, are on both sides of the trail. These palms,
spaced between ephemeral lagoons in the Ottine Swamp, cause thoughts of Jurassic Park.
Pass a gully on the right, go by a large sycamore tree dressed with a trumpet vine with bright orange
flowers, and then cross a footbridge over a narrow, dry creek bed. Burr oak trees line the trail and are
easily identified in the fall by the large acorns with a fringe around the cap that are scattered on the
ground.
The loop ends back at PR 11; from there take PR 11 to the Lake Trail trailhead next to campsite 26.
NOTE: There are no Miles and Directions provided for this short 0.3-mile hike.
Lake Trail
Lake Trail is a short walk that circles Oxbow Lake. In the spring, damselflies, dragonflies, butterflies,
and mosquitoes are abundant from ground level to head height.
From the trailhead, head into a swampy, wooded area, then slightly downhill and left to a wooden
bridge. Oxbow Lake can be seen to the left. The four-acre lake was created when the slow-moving San
Marcos River changed directions and left an isolated lagoon. Turn left where the trail branches; the
right leg leads to the park office.
The trail wanders away from the lake and then heads back to a long clearing that extends to the wa-
ter's edge. This gives an opportunity to observe various water insects, including water striders. A good
view of the entire lake can be seen from here.
Make a bend left and head south, continuing on the loop around the lake. The Little Hill Baptist
Church is ahead and to the right. Continue straight and cross under the PR 11 bridge that spans the
lake. On the other side of the bridge, there is a large sign warning about snakes.
The trail ends near the bridge, but continue east, skirting the edge of a picnic area and past camp-
ground sites #20 to #24, to the parking lot.
