The Perfect Trail

This past weekend I went on a most enduring bike ride. This trial, hidden among post oaks and yaupons, had the most alluring characteristics. It started out moderately easy, the path being leveled and paved with pea-sized gravel. But soon I was flying up and down washed out hills covered in river stones and loamy sediment. At last, the perfect trail.

The Lake Somerville Trailway has over twenty miles of trails winding through one side of this man-made lake. The main trail is over thirteen miles long, twenty-six round trip. The trial has been adapted for use by equestrians, however hikers and bicyclists also find it appealing. Depending on where one starts, the trial meanders over creeks, wraps around meres, and hosts breath taking views along the way.

Access to this elaborate system of paths actually can begin at two different points of entry. The trail can start or end at either Birch Creek State Park or Nails Creek State Park. I began the trail at Nails Creek State Park which is located in Ledbetter, Texas. Upon admission, I picked up a trail map to further guide me through. I was glad I did because there are several little trails developed by wildlife that lead away from my destination. That day I made up my mind to find Flag Pond.

Flag Pond is a little mere not accessible by a vehicle. It can only be found by staying on the main trail and keeping up endurance during the three-mile ride starting at Nails Creek. On the way to this hidden pond, the path consistently changed to compliment the landscape. It would curve sharply to avoid hundred year old oaks, and then snake gently through fields of blue-stem grass, only to abruptly fall down hills made of creek polished stones. Along the way a deer or two can be seen at peace in their own habitat.

Nails Creek State Park and Flag Pond are known to have the best wildflower displays in the spring. But my timing was in early fall when even the trees haven't shed their leaves yet. Regardless of the lack of colors, the landscape was still visually alluring. Because this is a favorite trial for horse-back riding, it is important to give them the right of way so not to spook the horse. That being noted, only non potable water is available at two sites on the trail, so it is important to bring your own.

Let me be the first to admit that I am not in the best shape of my life. Several times I had to get off my bike and walk just to give my leg muscles break. On one particular instance, I started complaining how awful trying to go up these rocky hills where and sarcastically stated how I would like to see someone who could. Low and behold here comes a group in there early twenties zooming past me as if I was turtle in the way.

A exhausting and pride hurt hour later we finally arrived at Mills Pond. This campsite was very primitive with only an outhouse. In a flag stone make-shift shelter, there hung a map to view where I was. The scene was set to observe over a untouched landscape and to rest in the beauty of nature. As I looked over, Flag Pond was visible. However, all I saw was green water lilies invading what was left of the pond.

I was a bit disappointed, I guess in my mind I was expecting something more grand. Again I only went to one edge of this pond and viewed it from a distance away. But I figured what I saw was good enough. Next time, hopefully more in shape, I will go around the two and half mile loop to truly see what Flag Pond has to offer. After resting for about thirty minutes, we begin our trip back to Nails Creek.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers many state parks that are conserved for wildlife habitats and provide trails for viewing. The Somerville Trailway is certainly one of the best out of the whole state for one heck of a bike ride. Maybe one day I will reach Birch Creek thirteen miles away, and with my last breath call for someone to pick me up. But for others who are not as physically challenged, this is definitely for you.

www.tpwd.state.tx.us