Discover the Lost Pines Interpretive Hikes

Bastrop State Park, 10 AM Saturdays Spring (Feb-June) and Fall (Oct-Dec)

Discover the Lost Pines...

Bastrop State Park is a biological wonderland. It lies within the western most stand of loblolly pines in the United Sates, and is home to the endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) and to over 1000 species of plants and animals. The park is a National Historic Landmark, due to the quality work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. During your visit, take a leisurely walk through the Lost Pines of Bastrop State Park with a Master Naturalist Volunteer or Park Interpretive Ranger as your guide to discovery. Learn about the native plants and animals of the Lost Pines area, the history of the CCC in Bastrop State Park, and the importance of conserving this resource.

"Discover the Lost Pines" hikes are about 1 mile long, and take about 90 minutes to complete. Spring hikes in Bastrop State Park are scheduled for every Saturday morning from February 16, 2008 through June; meet at 10 A.M. at the kiosk near the playground (Just down the street from the swimming pool; see diagram below). Wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather. Fall 2008 guided hikes will be Saturdays from October through mid-December.

Hikes begin at the Playground Trailhead Kiosk (30° 06.46' N; 97° 16.833" W)

Lead a Hike through the Lost Pines...

Volunteer to lead an interpretive hike through the towering Lost Pines of Bastrop State Park. On this 90 min-long hike, you will provide visitors with information about the history, native plants and animals of the park; help them to discover the significance of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC); and learn about the endangered Houston toad. Hikes are Saturday mornings at 10:00 A.M.

Prerequisite for leading hikes: Lost Pines Master Naturalist State Parks Interpretive Training program by TPWD staff, as provided during Lost Pines Chapter's naturalist training class. Alternatively, you can "train by doing;" by going on several hikes with experienced leaders.

To volunteer, contact Sue Fischer at 512-321-1308 or by E-mail at Sue Fischer.

More Information about Bastrop State Park and the Lost Pines

More photos of Bastrop State Park and the Lost Pines throughout the year.

Official Bastrop State Park facilities map (PDF file; 436 kB. Courtesy TPWD)

New Official Bastrop State Park Lost Pines Hiking Trail map- shows color-coded trails; points of interest (PDF file; 1.4 MB. Courtesy TPWD)

Lost Pines Resource Overview: This document provides an excellent background to the natural and historic resources of Bastrop State Park. While it isn't necessary for interpretive volunteers, it is interesting reading. Note that this is a large document, and may take 5 minutes or more to download if you are using a modem.
Download the Bastrop State Park Resource Overview. (908 kB, PDF file)

Early Spring in Bastrop State Park

Spring coral root orchids, Corallorhiza wisteriana, blooming in mid-February.

In late March, bracken fern arise from the ashes of the previous winter's prescribed burn and will soon create a lush green carpet beneath the pines.

Early April, and dogwood along Copperas Creek are in full bloom. Like the pines, these dogwoods are also "Lost"!

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