Branched Oak South Campground Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake

Easy hiking/horse/biking trail through mixed second-growth forest with some really nice lake views.

We accessed the trail from the south east side of the South Shore Campground, which requires a park permit, at least when somebody is manning the entry booth. There are also two access points from West Raymond Road.

Really nice, pretty, easy to hike trail. It varies in width, with much of it being mowed grass about 10 feet wide. Lots of winding, packed dirt side trails about 4 feet wide. Only one of those shows (at the beginning) on this particular route. A hikers could probably take ten different routes through the area. The winding sections are similar to Branched Oak area 7 on the north side of the lake.

There were a few muddy spots when we went through in April, where "creeks" drain to the lake. Probably varies throughout the year.

The grass sections were getting a little long. Don't know how often it gets mowed. When we we t in the fall last year it was pretty short. We had our dog with us both times we did this area. No ticks in the fall, but got lots of them in the spring, so be aware of that. Could probably avoid the issue by staying on the winding, dirt-packed sections on the south side of the main trail.

Mixed hardwood and evergreen forest. Not super tall and dramatic, but nice to hike through.