Two trail networks in the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge traverse a distinctive river landscape, but differ in length: the network at Knobby Knees Trailhead covers nine miles, while the one at Great Egret’s Ridge Trailhead covers seven. Both follow oxbow lakes and the Trinity River.
River Bottomlands and Trails
The Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge lies in the Trinity River floodplain within Liberty County. The broad, flat landscape includes numerous swamps, oxbow lakes, artesian springs, and tributaries. Its biodiversity is also remarkable: the refuge is home to more than 635 plant species and 350 vertebrate species, including more than 200 bird, 60 fish, 40 mammal, and 50 reptile and amphibian species.
The two trailhead networks each offer a distinct focus within this landscape. At Knobby Knees Trailhead, the trails follow Palmer Bayou, two oxbow lakes, and the Trinity River. At Great Egret’s Ridge Trailhead, they follow Big Bayou, two oxbow lakes, and the Trinity River. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by their length and the bayous named for each. Access to the Loblolly Unit is via a rural county road.
At Champion Lake and Pickett’s Bayou, wildlife can be observed from a pier; the two locations also share two small boat ramps. Those looking for more places to walk, hike, or bike can visit Liberty Municipal Park, which has approximately two miles of paved trails for biking, hiking, running, and walking. A three-acre pond stocked with fish is available for fishing. Liberty Municipal Golf Course is also open to the public; in addition to the golf course, it has a pond for catch-and-release fishing.
Liberty and Its History
The city of Liberty was founded on May 5, 1831, as “Villa de la Santisima Trinity de la Libertad.” In 1836, it became the county seat and gave Liberty County its name. The county’s early administrative history also includes its first courthouse, built from hewn logs in 1831.
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center is the official regional historical resource repository for ten counties in southeast Texas, including Liberty County. Tours and exhibitions are among its offerings. Those interested in the region’s history can explore its collections as well as take a tour or visit an exhibition.
The Jean and Price Daniel Home and Archives is modeled after the Texas Governor’s Mansion and built in the Greek Revival style. It preserves and displays the library, archives, furniture, and memorabilia documenting the Daniels’ lives and public service. Tours of the home are available by appointment only; appointments must be arranged at least two weeks in advance.
Another example of architecture is the Gillard-Duncan House, built around 1848. It combines elements of the Greek Revival style with Creole influences. The upper floor contains a traveler’s room and a schoolroom. These two rooms offer a tangible glimpse into the home’s distinctive layout and add to its architectural story.
The cemeteries also preserve different stories. The Catholic Cemetery is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Liberty County. It contains the graves of French Creole pioneer settlers whose families moved to the region from Louisiana in the mid-19th century. The Bryan-Neyland Cemetery is the burial place of Luke Bryan, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto who later served as sheriff of Liberty County. The history of Mexican Hill includes Mexican prisoners who remained on Hardin’s estate until their release by the Texas government on April 25, 1837.
A Festival Around Downtown
The Liberty Jubilee is usually held each year on the fourth weekend in March around Liberty’s historic downtown. The festival features food vendors as well as vendors selling arts and crafts. It also includes an annual barbecue cook-off. These recurring events bring together food and crafts, giving the festival its distinctive focus.
Discover more destinations: Hull, Liberty, Cleveland, Lubbock, Val Verde County, Crockett, Hidalgo, Rockwall.
For the main travel overview: Texas.
