Texas Oak Trail

Comments: This trail is advertised as 3/4 miles, but truly is longer if you take the branch that follows the beach. Starts out fairly plain and level, but as you approach the beach line, steep rocky descents and ascents are common. The trail starts at about 1500 feet, then at its lowest is 1400 feet, somewhat near the water. Some areas let you get close to the rocky beaches. Limestone outcroppings offer several scenic overlooks, where you have spectacular views of Lake Brownwood. Goat Island is almost always in the picture throughout this hike. Toward the end near marker 16, the trail splits. The right-hand fork will take you back up to the trailhead. The left-hand fork will follow the beach until you come across the fishing pier. Here is a good spot for a break. From here, follow the paved road back up a short ways until you see stairstepping stones up the hill on your right. Follow this steep rise up. Continue through the next camground where you reach the pavement leading to where you parked at the trailhead. Be sure when you do this hike to pay at the front and ask for the Texas Oak Trail guide. 16 markers have different plant life to see, and you can also get a birding guide. Some markers have been damaged, but if you check which ones you've seen, you'll know what you're looking at. All in all, a quiet hike with only noise being occasional military aircraft from Abilene flying nearby.