Place

Beaver Slide Trail

Tupelo and bald cypress trees standing in calm reflective water in spring. — See tranquil ponds on the Beaver Slide Trail.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Trailhead

The Beaver Slide Trail is a hidden gem! See quiet ponds, sloughs, and Big Sandy Creek on this short hike.

Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Type: Out-and-back and loop combination
Location: Big Sandy Creek Unit
Trailhead: Pullout on FM 943
Lat/Long: 30.573174, -94.642417

Overview

Begin the hike at the pullout along Farm to Market Road (FM) 943. From there, the trail descends into the woods, going over a few short wooden bridges to a scenic pond lined with bald cypress trees.

Shortly after going over some large, exposed tree roots, you reach the beginning of the loop section. Take a glance around to familiarize yourself with this intersection—it can be easily missed when returning to the trailhead.

Go left or right to begin the loop, then pass several more scenic sloughs and eventually reach a bend in Big Sandy Creek. When you reach the loop intersection again, return to the trailhead.

Accessibility

The trail surface is composed of hard-packed soil, leaf litter, and wooden bridges. Hazards include large, exposed tree roots, as well as mud and puddles if it has rained recently. There is a downward grade at the beginning of the trail.