Tip for a Day Trip: Brazos Bend State Park

A photo capturing the serenity of New Horseshoe Lake at Brazos Bend State Park. (Photo: Maddy Payne) 

Summer is almost over, and although the depression of that realization has started to sink in, I have decided to make the most of what is left of this summer. 

This past weekend, I drove out to Brazos Bend State Park with a friend. The park is located along the Brazos River in Needville, Texas. From Houston, the drive out is around an hour. The park itself is almost 5,000 acres and is home to numerous animals and is most famously known for the American Alligator. 

In addition to reptiles, amphibians and a diverse plant ecosystem, there were thousands of colorful dragonflies at the park. Here is a close up of a blue dragonfly. (Photo: Maddy Payne)

Arriving at the park, the entrance fee is $7 per person for the day. The first lake you reach is 40 Acre Lake. The trail around the lake is 1.2 miles - not too far but not too short. Pilant Lake lies just beyond it, but there are no trails that lead to it. At 40 Acre Lake, we saw many different types of birds - egrets, ibises and herons. Venturing on down the road, you’ll come across Elm Lake. At the lake is a deck which provides a panoramic view of Elm Lake and the wildlife within and around it. 

A white heron looks for food in the 40 Acre Lake. (Photo: Maddy Payne)

 

We decided to get out and explore around the lake to walk the Horseshoe Trail (1.28 miles) which circles around Old Horseshoe Lake and then trails on next to New Horseshoe Lake. While walking the trail, we saw quite a few golden silk orb-weaver spiders as well as a vulture. New Horseshoe Lake is much more active than its neighboring Old Horseshoe Lake, and the water is significantly cleaner. 

A golden silk orb-weaver waiting patiently to trap its next meal. (Photo: Maddy Payne)

 

Unfortunately, we did not come across any alligators during this trip, but I have seen some in the past while on fishing trips with my dad. According to the park's website, the best time to see alligators is on days where the temperature is mild. 

A nice place to grab some shade and appreciate nature on the Horseshoe Trail. (Photo: Maddy Payne)

 

While the purpose of my trip was photography, there are also many other activities available at the park. A few of these activities include biking, fishing and camping. And above everything, please remember proper alligator etiquette. We want you to return from the park as you came - in one piece. 

Learn more about the Brazos Bend State Park here.