Highlights of the San Bernard NWR

Since I can't hike at the moment, I'll only be getting the hikes started. They are short, easy to follow paths that will take you to some cool places in the coastal plains.

We will make several short hikes to visit some highlights of the Refuge. The trails are mostly wetlands native soils and levee banks with occasional boardwalks. Please keep in mind wetland can be boggy. They are also prime mosquito range and snake country any time of year.

Weather:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=28.8943&lon=-95.5749&FcstType=graphical

Bathrooms:
The only facility is a single composting toilet at Bobcat Woods.

Maps:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10e2F0H8yW6jCFDtVMGbp-zoxjhJwA5xx

Gathering Point:
The MidCoast National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitor Center
2547 County Rd 316, Brazoria, TX 77422
https://goo.gl/maps/LiiNWjrBT3utWGrEA

The visitors center parking will likely be closed so there is limited trailhead and roadside parking here.

The Hikes:

Little Slough Hike ~1.0 Miles
https://goo.gl/maps/LiiNWjrBT3utWGrEA
A wooded area near the visitors center.

San Bernard Oak Hike ~2.4 Miles
https://goo.gl/maps/RgWQ86AzPHKDL7cd6
Visit the Texas Champion Live Oak and an interpretive trail.
Brochure about the interpretive trail:
https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/oak%20trail%20fact%20sheet%20final.pdf

Bobcat Woods Hike ~1.7 Miles
https://goo.gl/maps/pX4Qq9fvWm9CGHPX7
Through the Bobcat Woods and nearby levee surrounded by wetlands. Wildlife platform and prime gator viewing.

Scissor Tail Hike ~0.8 Miles
https://goo.gl/maps/pG7EfjxBUSfoK49B7
A loop through a raised, wooded area surrounded by wetlands.

Cedar Lake Creek Hike ~0.5 Miles
https://goo.gl/maps/TACeAoHJR8kC72Uc6
A short out and back in the wetlands along the creek.

After Hike Event:
The Dirty South
116 N Velasco St, Angleton, TX 77515
https://goo.gl/maps/md627rsyDCf9NJr39

They have outdoor seating if the weather cooperates.
Street parking or park in the lot across the street.
http://thedirtysouthtx.com/

About the San Bernard NWR
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/san_bernard/

Established to provide wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl. More than 320 species of birds call the refuge home for all or part of the year, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. It is because of its significance to waterfowl and migrating birds that San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge and its companion refuges, Brazoria and Big Boggy, were designated an Internationally Significant Shorebird Site.

Wildlife watching, photography, hunting, fishing, and environmental education programs are all available to the public.