Resaca de la Palma

The Hidden Treasure of South Texas Resaca de la Palma State Park is situated at the Rio Grande river delta, the southern tip of Texas, only minutes from downtown Brownsville. Named for one of the shallow oxbow ponds once formed by the river, the park’s diverse habitats attract many rare migratory birds, as well as local specialties such as the Plain Chachalaca, Altamira Oriole, Green Jay, and Groove-billed Ani. Two endangered amphibians are supported by this biologically significant subtropical wetland. Lush woodlands dominated by Texas Ebony and Anacua trees, considered one of the most threatened plant communities in the United States, border the resaca (oxbow lake) that transects the park. Visitors can explore over 11 miles of nature trails or relax on the tram as it navigates through the well-preserved ecosystem. The park also features a Visitor’s Center with a state-of-the art meeting facility, gift shop, and butterfly gardens. SUGGESTED HIKES “Quick, Easy & Educational” 2 hours • 2 miles Take a short walk down Ebony Trail. Explore plant signage and interpretive panels along the trail leading to a resaca overlook at Deck A. Visit butterfly gardens, then walk the tram loop to the first bridge and back, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature! “Scenic Stopovers” 3-4 hours • 3 miles Explore the park’s historic resaca from three different observation areas. Hike the tram loop and explore the park’s wetlands at the first bridge. Continue following tram loop and next explore the resaca from Kiskadee Trail and Mexican Olive. “Resaca Roundabout” 3-4 hours • 3.5 miles Venture into the more remote regions of the park. Hike the paved tram loop to Hunter’s Lane then down Yellowthroat Loop. There’s a picnic table located on Yellowthroat overlooking the resaca. Several different trailheads, located at the end of Hunter’s Lane, are available for additional hiking and biking. TRAIL INFORMATION Ebony Trail .2 miles Easy The closest trail to the Visitor Center. This trail curves through old growth ebony-anacua woodlands. Observation deck and boardwalk at terminal end with plant signage along the way. Trailhead in back of Visitor’s Center. This is an ADA-compliant trail; please do not use bicycles here. 1 mile Medium Mesquite Trail Curving through Tamaulipan thornscrub and revegetated grassland savannah. Trailhead off of tram loop. .4 miles Medium North Mexican Olive Trail This trail connects Mesquite with Mexican Olive. This is a slightly more rugged trail. Trailhead off of Tram Loop. .3 miles Easy Mexican Olive Trail This is an ADA-compliant trail; please do not use bicycles here. The trail leads to scenic observation Deck C. Trailhead off of Tram Loop. .03 miles Easy Kiskadee Trail Sugar hackberry and ebony woodlands line this short trail leading to observation Deck A. Trailhead off of Tram Loop. This is an ADA-compliant trail; please do not use bicycles here. 1 mile Medium Flycatcher Trail Loops through thornscrub/savannah. Trail head off Tram Loop. .2 miles Medium Hog Trail Take this trail from Flycatcher to access observation Deck D. .3 miles Medium Coyote Trail Trail with tight curves through ebony and mesquite woodland. .7 miles Medium Hunter’s Lane Entrance to southern remote portions of our park. Use this trail to access Screwbean Alley and the loops Quail, White-winged Dove and Yellowthroat trails. Screwbean Alley .2 miles Easy This trail is short, yet rugged. Rest at the bench with scenic view of resaca. 1.2 miles Hard Quail Loop White-wing Dove Loop .9 miles Hard Recommended biking loops that venture through grasslands. 1.2 miles Easy Yellowthroat Loop Recommended wildlife watching trail. Several habitats are represented, providing opportunities to see an array of wildlife. “Eco-Explorer” All day • 11+ miles 1.2 miles Easy Bobcat Lane Recommended biking trail. Bobcat borders the western edge of the park property, running along a levee. There are over 11 miles of trails open to the public, many suitable for a long walk or a bike ride, and most trailheads can be found off the tram loop. Pick and choose your own hike and enjoy! 3.2 miles Easy Tram Loop Recommended easy trail. Paved loop meanders through 1,200-acre park, crossing two overlooks, with excellent viewing opportunities. Seven trailheads are located on Tram Loop. Resaca de la Palma State Park Self-guided Trails RANGER PROGRAMS Butterfly Walk Bird Walk Nature Tram Tours Nature Hike Yoga in the Park Trail Blazers School and group field trips SPECIAL EVENTS Archery 101 Jolly Night Hike Night Hike Junior Ranger Camp entrance fees Adult Day Use: $4 Daily Child 12 Years and Under: Free hours and info Park: Open daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors Center: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (956) 350-2920 tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma World Birding Center — Resaca de la Palma State Park Experience South Texas in its natural state – but don’t forget your water, hat and sunscreen! 4 mi. resaca Legend: Disfruta del entorno natural. ¡Y no olvides llevar agua, sombrero y bloqueador solar! Visitor’s Center • Texas State Parks Store • Rest Rooms • Meeting Room Mesquite Trail – 0.60 mi. Parking Mexican Olive Trail – 0.30 mi. North Mexican Olive Trail – 0.37 mi. Hog Trail – 0.20 mi. Restrooms Tram Stop Flycatcher Trail – 0.99 mi. Observation Deck Screwbean Alley – 0.20 mi. Kiskadee Trail – 0.05 mi. Quail Loop – 1.36 mi. Hunter’s Lane – 0.67 mi. White-wing Dove Loop – 0.91 mi. 0.17 mi. Butterfly Garden Hiking and Biking Trails ADA-Accessible Trails Tram Road Ebony Trail – 0.24 mi. Tram Road – 2.76 mi. Coyote Trail – 0.33 mi. Yellowthroat Loop – 1.18 mi. 1000 New Carmen Blvd. Brownsville, TX 78521 (956) 350-2920 fax (956) 350-3814 www.worldbirdingcenter.org www.tpwd.state.tx.us Bobcat Lane – 1.42 mi. ©2015 TPWD PWD BR P4502-117A (6/15) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 714 Olmito, TX 78575 TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TDD) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.