Lake Somerville Trailway

Things to Do
Both the Birch Creek and Nails Creek units of Lake Somerville State Park offer a multitude of recreational opportunities such as camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking and biking, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball, backpacking and equestrian use (visitors must bring their own horses). More than 20 miles of trail are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, affording visitors the opportunity to exercise and enjoy the beauty of the park. Water lovers can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and skiing on Lake Somerville.
The Lake Somerville Trailway , located around the west end of the reservoir, connects Birch Creek State Park with Nails Creek State Park via 13 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, birding, and nature study. Flag Pond, located approximately four miles from Nails Creek State Park and nine miles from Birch Creek State Park along the Somerville Trailway, provides waterfowl hunting and non-consumptive wildlife viewing opportunities in conjunction with a system of interpretive trails, nature study, outdoor classrooms, and wildlife photography. The Flag Pond Nature Theater provides an excellent wildlife-viewing platform. The management objective is directed toward wintering waterfowl and increasing food supply to better condition the birds before their journey to spring nesting grounds. Strategies to accomplish these objectives include planting of domestic grain crops, moist soil management, and water level control. This project will increase waterfowl hunting opportunity and non-consumptive wildlife viewing opportunities in conjunction with a system of interpretive trails, as well as opportunities for nature study, outdoor classrooms, and wildlife photography. Campgrounds for equestrian and backpackers are located along the trailway. Well water for horses only is available at Newman Bottom and Wolf Pond. Chemical toilets are in the area. There are also trails accessible to the disabled in both parks.
Detailed fishing and lake information for Lake Somerville
Fishing Tip Sheet for Lake Somerville State Park ' Nails Creek Unit
Swimming Safety Tips
Alligators live in the park; read our alligator safety tips . Equipment Rentals
The Nails Creek and Birch Creek units rent canoes and kayaks (paddles and personal flotation included), basketballs and volleyballs. The Birch Creek Unit also rents horseshoes, and the Nails Creek Unit also rents badminton equipment.
The Birch Creek Unit participates in the Angler Education ' Tackle Loaner Program '; individuals can borrow rods, reels and tackle boxes with hooks, sinkers and bobbers.
Ranger Programs
Hot on Their Tracks - A guided hike with a park interpreter to collect animal tracks and make casts of them.?(Program is subject to staff availability and is typically offered on Saturdays or upon request.) Check the calendar for upcoming events and programs.
Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. The extensive Lake Somerville Trailway links the Birch Creek Unit to the Nails Creek Unit. More than 20 miles of trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Water lovers can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and skiing on Lake Somerville.
Third Grade Outdoor Adventure at Nails Creek, Lake Somerville
Sixth Grade Outdoor Laboratory Experience at Birch Creek, Lake Somerville
Ask about the Junior Ranger Explorer Packs available for free checkout at the park! Area?Attractions
The Lake Somerville complex is located along the Presidential Corridor between Austin and College Station. Nearby attractions include Bastrop State Park , Buescher State Park , Stephen F. Austin State Park , Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site , San Felipe State Historic Site ; Bluebell Creamery; and Texas A&M University. For more information on the Somerville area visit the Somerville Chamber of Commerce website .