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Mayde Creek Hike and Bike Trail

Type: Trail

Length: 1.34 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: N/A

Rating:

(2.00)1

Difficulty: halfstar

(0.50)

Solitude:

(0.50)

ADA Accessible: Yes

Bikes Allowed: Yes

Dogs Allowed: Yes

Interpretive Guide: No

Address: 18907 Morton Road

City: Houston

County: Harris

More Information: More Info

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Map

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Photos

This is a view of the trailhead as seen from the Cullen Park trail. (Photo by Blaze)

This is a view of the bridge labelled on the map as "Private Road", near Ashley Road. It is next to a public school. (Photo by Blaze)

The turtles like to lay out in the sun and warm up, but they'll quickly scatter if they see you coming. (Photo by Blaze)

This is the "T" shaped reservoir off Ashley Road. The trail is paved on one side only, but you can walk around the other side as it is an easy to walk dirt path. (Photo by Blaze)

Another shot of swimming turtles. (Photo by Blaze)

See all of those black spots in the water? They're all turtles. (Photo by Blaze)

There are several drainage pipes feeding into the reservoirs. The water forms small pools and streams. Look carefully - the "rocks" on the left bank are actually turtles! (Photo by Blaze)

This is the Northernmost Reservoir. (Photo by Blaze)

This is the entrance sign off Morton Road. (Photo by Blaze)

Log Entries

They Should Rename This "Turtle Park!"
By Blaze on 2/14/2013
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A

Before I start my review, let me just say that there is NO PARKING at Mayde Creek. You'll have to park along one of the streets in the adjacent subdivision and walk to the park.

OK, Mayde Creek Hike And Bike Trail is an interesting example of how the Harris County Parks and Recreation service has collaborated with Harris County Flood Control to increase the functionality of public land. The primary purpose of this area is to create large dug out reservoirs to hold water when it floods. That's Flood Control's contribution. Within the reservoirs live HUNDREDS of turtles. There is no gate around preventing access down into the reservoir, but there are signs saying it is a restricted area. Harris County Parks and Recreation job is to maintain the areas along the reservoir border. Hence, the Hike and Bike Trail.

The paved trail is long enough to let you stretch your legs and the large number of turtles keeps the view interesting. Turtles are very bashful creatures so they will make a dash into the water if they see you before you see them. If you want to photograph them, a zoom or telephoto lens is recommended.

You can follow the Mayde Creek Hike and Bike Trail all the way to where it joins Cullen Park.