Brockdale Park to Collin Park--A Great Getaway

Comments: I hiked from Brockdale Park in Lucas to Collin Park in St. Paul and back again, a trip of roughly nine miles. This trail is a horse and hike trail which runs adjacent to Lake Lavon. Although the trail is largely open-air, it runs through some lightly wooded areas. At each end of the hike, one may encounter horse riders. The "middle" of the hike is quite remote. I hike this trail quite often. It is a great locale for butterfly watching, with Summer giant swallowtail of enormous size a real treat. I have also sighted numerous herons, hawks, and rabbits along this trail, as well as some green snakes and woodpeckers. The trail is not strenuous at all, running along very gentle slopes on a well-marked "no vehicles" roadway. The trailhead is extremely easy to find, a well-marked area with parking adjacent to Brockdale Park just off Lucas Road, a bit east of Allen. One takes the Bethany Road exit off Highway 75, follows it until it forks onto Lucas Road, and then turns right at the Trinity Trail trailhead about two miles from the Brockdale Park turn. During my September hike, I saw many late Summer flowers in bloom. During the Spring, traditional Texas flowers appear. This hike is a great resource for Collin County, and yet is largely undiscovered.