4 . RAVEN LODGE Huntsville State Park and Raven Lodge were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1937 to 1942 , and the lodge remains a beautifully maintained sight to see . When not in use for events , a stone overlook fans out from the back of the building , providing beautiful sights of the lake for park visitors , however , with little to no shade provided against the unforgiving sun , Herron recommends enjoying the area from a distance .
“ When I show up early in the morning , this is my favorite spot ,” Herron said , leading to an area of scattered benches to the right of Raven Lodge . Taking in the quiet and serene atmosphere of the park in the early mornings is a favorite for Herron . It ’ s also a preferred time for the gators .
Arriving around 7 or 8 a . m ., Herron sits by the water ’ s edge to watch as alligators can easily be spotted cutting through the glass-like water , while making their way up and down the lake . For birders , the spot is especially exciting for occasional sightings of an adult and juvenile bald eagle duo that fly in the area .
5 . COLONEH CAMPING AREA
For campers looking to escape the crowds , look no further than Coloneh camping area , situated in the very east end of the park . It ’ s a favorite of Herron ’ s and it ’ s easy to see why .
As a water access-only campsite , the Coloneh camping area is oftentimes the last campsite to be checked out by guests , and is typically less crowded . Many of the sites back up directly to the water and trailheads can be found in the area .
“ This is an area that I wish more people would utilize , too ,” Herron said , pointing out a trail head leading to the Chinquapin trail . “ If you want to get over to the spillway where the picnic bench is and things like that , it ’ s still a hike , but the shortest distance to get there is from this trail head .”
The spillway offers some of the most beautiful views of Lake Raven with an abundance of Texas wildflowers dotting the trail nearby during the spring months . Whether hikers are looking to make it to this Chinquapin favorite or trek the entire 6.8-mile trail , with more parking and bathrooms than the trail ’ s official start at the nature center , Herron recommends park regulars to mix things up and begin their course from the Coloneh camping area .
6 . TRIPLE C TRAIL At 8.5 miles-long , Huntsville State Park ’ s longest trail is also it ’ s most over-looked . Outshone by the popular and scenic Chinquapin , the CCC trail is one to head to when looking for an escape from humanity .
Well , not entirely . Fence lines for the Texas Grand Ranch subdivision backs up to part of the trail , however , it ’ s doubtful that hikers will actually encounter another person on the path .
“ It ’ s not as pretty as the Chinquapin , with it being a little bit closer , having more switchbacks , being a more scenic trail , but the CCC trail is just straight and wide ,” Herron said , adding that the trail was originally designed as an off-road vehicle service road for the Civilian Conservation Corps that built the park and is still used to this day by park staff .
“ It ’ s not utilized a lot by hikers , so if you ’ re looking for a real quiet trail to put in some miles and enjoy yourself alone , the CCC trail is wonderful for that ,” Herron added .
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER , 2021 | 21