Redbud Loop

More information:

• San Saba COC
  915-372-5141, www.sansabatexas.com
• Mills County COC
  915-648-3619
• Goldthwaite COC
  915-648-3619, www.goldthwaite.biz

HOTE 011 Cow Park Ranch

Suggested Seasons to visit: All Seasons

Site access restricted. Call ahead. Fee charged.

From Riverside Park, go east 1.9 miles to US 84/183. Continue south 21.7 miles to Mullin and FM 573. Turn left/north on FM 573 and follow 2.6 miles to the ranch gate.

This 800-acre working ranch provides habitat for both grassland and woodland birds. Water development on the ranch has been extensive, providing important habitat for a variety of wildlife. Look for Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Barn, Cliff, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Eastern Phoebe, Lark Sparrow, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, and Painted Bunting. In the summer, the ponds provide habitat for a variety of dragonflies, butterflies, frogs and toads. In the winter, the larger ponds attract ducks and shorebirds. White-tailed Deer, Northern Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, and Greater Roadrunner are commonly seen on the ranch.

Phone: 325-985-3576

HOTE 012 Regency Suspension Bridge

Suggested Seasons to visit: All Seasons

Site open for day use only.

Return to US 183 and go south 9.9 miles to FM 574. In Goldthwaite, go 11.1 miles west on FM 574/ Hannah Valley Road. Turn left on CR 432 and go 7.9 miles to bridge.

The historic Regency Suspension Bridge, built in 1939, spans the Colorado River and connects Mills County and San Saba County. This was one of the last suspension bridges erected in Texas. The mixed riparian woodland bottom includes oak, hackberry, and pecan trees, surrounded by a mesquite-oak savannah on the upper bank. Along the river, listen for the songs of nesting Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Painted Bunting, White-eyed Vireo, Summer Tanager, and Bewick’s Wren. In winter, look for ducks and shorebirds. Checkered White, Question Mark, and Pipevine Swallowtail are easily spotted in the grasslands and along the river’s edge.

HOTE 013 Mills County Redbud Trail

Suggested Seasons to visit: All Seasons

Site open for day use only.

From US 183 in southern Mills County, go north on TX 16 through Goldthwaite to Priddy.

The Mills County Redbud Trail meanders through much of the county, and is best viewed in late February or early March. See the streets and towns of this area draped in a profusion of pink and purple blossoms. Once in full bloom, the redbuds radiate with an explosion of color, marking the onset of spring in Texas.

HOTE 014 Pigfoot Ranch

Suggested Seasons to visit: All Seasons

Site open for day use only.

Habitats on this 2,200-acre working ranch include mesquite savannah, oak mottes, and creek side riparian woodlands. Several natural springs flow into a creek that meanders through much of the ranch. Along the creek bottoms, look for nesting White-eyed Vireo and Summer Tanager. The grasslands provide nesting habitat for Northern Bobwhite, Dickcissel, and Eastern Meadowlark. Greater Roadrunner and Wild Turkey are here year-round. Indian paintbrush, Texas bluebonnet, Mexican hat, gaillardia, and monarda bloom in spring and butterflies such as Variegated Fritillary, Giant Swallowtail, and Dainty Sulphur abound. White-tailed Deer are abundant throughout the property. Visitors can arrange to see a shearing demonstration of Angora goats, well known for their soft mohair fiber.

Phone: 325-948-3598. Call for Directions.

HOTE 015 Long Hollow Ranch

Suggested Seasons to visit: All Seasons

Site open for day use only.

Much of this 660-acre property resides atop a bluff overlooking the elm thickets and sycamore bottoms of Bennett Creek and Long Hollow Branch. Between these riparian woodlands lie grasslands and savannahs that are covered with wildflowers in the spring and fall. Wild Turkey and White-tailed Deer are widespread, as well as Northern Bobwhite and Greater Roadrunner. Other wildlife abounds, so be sure to look for Ringtail, Common Gray Fox, Coyote, Bobcat and Nine-banded Armadillo. Bird life is diverse, particularly during spring and fall migration. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, and Painted Bunting are common summer residents. In the winter, look for ducks and shorebirds along the creek and in the ponds. Lodging is available for overnight guests.

Phone: 325-648-3453. Call for Directions.