Author: Cecilia

Wildcat Bluff Nature Center
This 640 acre Nature Center is near Amarillo.
Here is the Center’s website.   Phone   806-352-6007  Trails
LiBB’s /trail  “…a short, wheelchair-accessible cement trail that meanders over three acres directly behind the Nature Center’s Visitor Center.”

South Padre Island
South Padre Island is part of the World Birding Center.  “The nature center offers more than 3,300 linear feet of boardwalk, five bird blinds, and a five story tower with spectacular views of the Laguna Madre, beaches and dunes of South Padre Island, The Gulf of Mexico and the South Padre Island skyline.”  “Our board walks and wetlands will provide you with up-close viewing of spectacular wetland birds, migrating songbirds and the island’s dazzling butterfly population.”
Here is their website.  Phone  956-761-6801  Map can be downloaded from the website.
According to David and Jan Dauphin on their very helpful site, “The Butterfly Garden, all Boardwalks, and everything on the inside are handicapped-accessible.”

Miller Springs Nature Center
Miller Springs Nature Center is a 260 acre scenic natural area located between the Leon River and 110 foot high bluffs, immediately east of the Lake Belton Dam.
This area has been damaged by floods.  Call ahead to be sure it is open and to check the condition of the trails.   I have included a lot of trails marked as easy, but you should check first before heading out on them.
Here is the Center website.  Phone at U.S. Army Engineers, Belton Dam 254-939-1829 or the Miller Springs Alliance 254-933-7487  Trails and Map
Rim Trail 0.7 mile   “… affords wonderful views of the Leon River valley, the limestone wall of the new canyon carved by the 1992 flood and the mural wall.  Wildflowers are plentiful anytime there is sufficient rainfall.”
Armadillo Trail  0.41 miles.   “….level trail twists through pleasant mountain cedar forest through open meadows and over exposed limestone shelves, and forms a loop back to the Rim Trail.”
North Trail  0.38 mile  “A beautiful trail takes you through upland forest and along a scenic limestone ledge with a great view showing prairie flowers and the mural wall. The southern part of the trail is handicapped accessible and provides access to many other trails via the walk across the spillway.”
Beaver Ponds Trail  0.73 mile  “…wanders through the forest at the top of the lower bluff.”  The trail makes several creek crossings – you might check with the Park to learn if there are obstacles for you.
South River Trail  1.4 miles Open to bikers, joggers and hikers.  Goes through meadows, forest and prairie.
Prairie Loop  1.2 miles  “….travels through prairie environments for more than half of its length. The southern and part of the western path meanders through lush forests and pleasant meadows. Just before sunset one often sees numbers of deer in the eastern areas.”
Old Forest Loop  0.44 mile  Goes through undisturbed old forest growth.

Lower Colorado River Authority
The LCRA maintains more than 11,000 acres of parks along the Lower Colorado River.
Here is the website for the LCRA. LCRA Parks
McKinney Roughs Nature Park    Phone  512-303-5073  Trail Map   Trail Hotline 512-578-7427
Ridge Trail  0.6 mile  “…an ADA trail along a box canyon, providing lovely views of the park and an easy excursion for families with children.”
“Other trails range from easy to challenging….”   The trail guide does not say how easy the trails are, so call to plan where you can go.
Westcave Preserve  Website  Phone  830-825-3442  Map of Upland Trails
“Upland Trail is Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly from Parking Lot to the Ahrns Grove”  Distance is not given, but it appears to be no more than about 300′.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
“Located on the western edge of Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the opportunity to experience the natural world. This 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary provides education about the natural environment to people of all ages.”
Here is their website.  Phone  713.681.8433  Map   Trails
Palmetto Multi-sensory Trail  0.33 mile loop  “…this trail offers many interpretative stops that educate visitors about the natural world here at the Arboretum.”
Alice Brown Loop/ Ravine Overlook 0.5 mile  “...this short loop parallels the driveway and leads to a small pond. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Ravine Overlook Deck where you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the forest from the canopy above to a stream below.”
There are several other trails which look as if they might be easy walking.  Call the center to learn more.

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
“Escape the concrete of the city and hike over 6.5 miles of self-guided or interpreted nature trails that wind though the diverse habitats of our 289-acre wildlife sanctuary, including tall grass prairie, bottomland hardwood and limestone escarpment. Take advantage of the opportunity to encounter many species of birds, insects and animals. ”  This sanctuary is near McKinney.
Here is their website.   Phone 972-562-5566   Trail Map
Wood Duck Trail  0.9  “…best view of the wetlands, partly shaded”

Bluestem Trail  0.5 mile “…best view of the prairie, partly shaded”

Laughlin Loop Trail  0.5 mile jogging stroller friendly, partly shaded”