Nature

The 1.08-mile trail features a 10-foot wide concrete path that winds through Live Oak  Forest, running parallel to Tule Creek, and ending at Enterprise Boulevard near Memorial Park.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a vast protected natural area that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including several endangered species like the whooping crane, North America’s tallest bird. The whooping crane, and many other animals, can be seen from the wildlife watching and nature trails found within the refuge. Fishing and hunting, with a special use permit, are allowed within the refuge as well.
1 Wildlife Circle
Austwell, TX 77950
(361) 286-3559

The Big Tree is a more than 1,000-year-old live oak thought to be one of the largest of its kind in the United States. For good reason: the tree is 44 feet tall with an 89-foot crown and an average trunk diameter of more than 11 feet. To see the Big Tree, head to Goose Island State Park just east of the small town of Lamar.
202 South Palmetto Street
Rockport, TX 78382
(361) 729-2858

Goose Island State Park
From fishing and hiking to kayaking and birdwatching, there are many great ways to enjoy the Texas Gulf Coast. Goose Island State Park in Rockport provides an idyllic setting to relish all these adventures. Miles of hiking and biking trails take you through the park, and you can fish off the 1,620-foot pier. In addition, more than 100 camp sites are available. Goose Island State Park is open every day, and a small entrance fee is required for adults.
202 South Palmetto Street
Rockport, TX 78382
(361) 729-2858

The historic Zachary Taylor Tree
A massive live oak, marks the spot where then Brig. General Taylor camped while he marched his troops south towards the U.S. Mexico border in 1845. Today, the site is an arboretum park that features hiking trails and scenic views.
702 South Pearl Street

Protection and Conservation Are in Our Nature

Rockport boasts a series of nature sites and trials created to promote birding, native gardening and wildlife observation. Among these are; Tule Creek East, Tule Creek West, Linda Castro Nature Sanctuary, Ivy Lane and the Connie Cottage Sanctuary.

The city has also purchased, for the protection of nesting Herons and Egrets, a nearly nine acre oak motte property adjacent to Little Bay.

Whether you are an avid birder, a photographer, artist or just love being close to nature, Rockport has much to offer. As the saying goes; “time spent in nature is time well spent”!