57 Hale Lake
A day hike to a lake formed by two small lakes that harbor plentiful alligators and turtles.
See map 56 Brazos River.
Distance: 4.2-mile lollipop
Approximate hiking time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Elevation: 45 to 65 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and paved path
Best season: Fall through spring
Water availability: Picnic area at Hale Lake
Land status: State park
Nearest town: Richmond
Fees and permits: Park entrance fee
Maps: USGS Otey and Thompsons; Brazos Bend State Park map
Trail contacts: Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 FM 762, Needville 77461; (979) 553-5101
Finding the trailhead: Drive about 25 miles southwest of the center of Houston on US 59 to FM 2759, just a little short of Richmond. Go southwest on FM 2759 about 1.7 miles to the junction with FM 762. Go straight ahead (south) on FM 762 for about 15 miles to the Brazos Bend State Park entrance on the left. Drive into the park on the main road 3.2 miles to the nature center/George Observatory parking area on the left.
The Hike
Because of its proximity to Houston, Brazos Bend State Park is one of the most popular parks in the state. Many of its trails are used by both hikers and cyclists. Some trails allow horses, although not the trails followed by this hike. This hike shares most of its route with bicycles. Short trails crisscross the lush park, making many different routes possible.
The trail starts by following the Creekfield Lake Nature Trail across the road from the south end of the parking lot, opposite from the side with the nature center. The trail makes a big loop through dense woods around marshy Creekfield Lake before coming to the George Observatory. The observatory is used for astronomical research and education. Go left on the paved observatory trail about 100 feet back toward the lake, then turn right again back onto the paved loop nature trail.
At about 0.25 mile past the observatory, the trail reaches another junction. Go right, crossing a service road that leads back to the observatory to the right. After another 0.4 mile, the trail crosses Big Creek on a combination road and footbridge. Go right at the fork just across the bridge, toward Hale Lake.
The next fork lies at one end of horseshoe-shaped Hale Lake, formed when an old meander of Big Creek was cut off. Go right to circle the lake in a counterclockwise direction. The next fork on the left just goes out onto the point of land encircled by the curve of the lake. It makes a nice side trip through oaks cloaked in Spanish moss.
As you circle the lake you will pass a picnic area on the right with water and restrooms. Continue circling the lake until you return to the point where you first hit it near Big Creek. Go right and return to the trailhead by the same route.
You can easily extend the hike by combining this trail with the park’s many other trails.
The park is usually hot, humid, and insect infested in summer but great the rest of the year. If it’s warm, you should see alligators sunning on some of the park’s lakeshores. The trails along the shores of Elm, Pilant, and 40 Acre Lakes are particularly good places to see the large reptiles. Maintain a respectful distance from any that you see, following the park’s safety guidelines.
No backcountry camping is allowed, but the park has an attractive developed campground.
Miles and Directions
0.0Start at the trailhead at the nature center/George Observatory.
0.5Junction with paved trail at observatory. Go left on paved trail about 100 feet and then turn right onto paved nature trail along lakeshore.
0.7Junction. Go right onto dirt trail.
1.1Junction just after crossing Big Creek bridge. Go right.
1.4Junction. Go right and circle Hale Lake counterclockwise.
1.6Junction. Go right (left fork is a scenic dead-end spur that goes between the lake arms).
3.1Junction at end of loop around lake. Go right and return the same way to the trailhead.
4.2Arrive back at the trailhead.