6. NORTH EDWARDS PLATEAU REGION

Colorado Bend State Park:  San Saba County

Colorado Bend State Park is west of Lampasas in San Saba and Lampasas counties.  This park has become very popular with the public.  Day use is at a premium during the spring and summer months.  It would be best to visit during the week if possible. There are three areas to check out, Gorman Falls trail in the northern part of the park, Spicewood Springs trail in the southern part, and along the Colorado River.  There have been some interesting odes observed here in the last few years.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=92948
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend

Mertzon City Park, Irion County

The city park is located on the east side of town between Duncan Ave to the north, East Lake Ave on the west, and County Road 101 on the south. The east side of the park is the dammed portion of Spring Creek. At the back of the park are flowing streams and marshes. This county has not been surveyed often and needs some work.  This would be a good place to start.  I have set up a Place in iNaturalist for this site.

 https://www.inaturalist.org/places/mertzon-city-park

Miller Springs Park, Bell County

Miller Springs Nature Center is a 260 acre scenic natural area located between the Leon River and 110 foot high bluffs, immediately east of the Lake Belton Dam. The natural preserve is open to the self-guided public, at no charge, each day of the year, from 8 a.m. - Dusk. The Nature Center is an undeveloped area managed by the City of Temple Parks & Recreation Department in conjunction with the City of Belton Parks & Recreation Department and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The area features scenic overlooks, natural winding trails, water ways and wildlife.  I have not checked this area out yet, but does look promising.  

https://www.ci.temple.tx.us/2602/Miller-Springs

Richards Park, Brady, McCulloch County

A city park in Brady that runs along Brady Creek with hiking, picnicking, fishing, etc. There is a small dammed portion of the creek called Richards Lake.  The area below the dam is the best area for odes.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=143635
https://www.bradytx.us/553/Parks