By:
Submission
Brushy Creek Day Use Area is located near Ferrells Bridge Dam along the banks of the Lake O the Pines in the woods of east Texas.
Lake O the Pines includes about 18,700 acres of water and 9,000 acres of land.
The lake was created by the construction of the Ferrells Bridge Dam on the Big Cypress Bayou. The reservoir was originally created as part of the overall plan for flood control in the Red River Basin below Denison Dam in Oklahoma, and has now become a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.
Boating, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes at Brushy Creek.
Lake O the Pines fishing includes largemouth small mouth and hybrid bass along with crappie, sunfish and catfish. In addition to boat fishing, there are also areas for bank fishing along the shore and below the dam along Big Cypress Bayou.
The surrounding 4,500 acres of federally owned property includes excellent hunting opportunities. In addition, the lake surface provides some of the best waterfowl hunting in East Texas.
Brushy Creek offers one large group picnic shelter, along with 30 smaller, non-reservable picnic sites located in shady areas along the shore. Each site has tables and grills.
A boat ramp, dock, swimming beach and basketball court are also provided, making the area perfect for large parties or family functions.
Other historic and tourist attractions are nearby in the towns of Jefferson and Marshall, and Texas Wildflower Trail routes are located along the roads surrounding the lake.
From Jefferson, Texas, travel 4 miles northwest on Highway 49. Turn left onto FM 729 and continue for about 7 miles, then turn left again onto FM 726. After nearly 5 miles turn left at the stop sign and follow signs to the park.
Beautiful park with a lake you can actually paddleboard/kayak in! In the spring, it’s covered in bluebonnets and it’s perfect for photoshoots! The trails are great for walking and biking and there’s a good amount of parking! Did I mention it’s dog friendly too?!
What a nice park! Love the trails, the lake, and the open expanse.
I saw bikes on the dam, and you can even fish at the lake.
There’s a playground and volleyball net too, and a pavilion with picnic tables.
There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of parking though, just a couple small lots.
I didn't know that I lived for years just few miles from this beautiful place! Nature here is amazing all around this lake..which is large as 38 acres..in a 90-acre park. Very quiet and nice for a variety of activities..hiking in a natural trail, bike trail, exercise station, playground and for fishing too which is very regulated, with all the pictures and information about the wildlife and types of fish and birds in this area. The parking also is large enough and in many locations...so this is definitely one of my favorite places to visit more often. Also, it seems safe and secure...we can see families all around the lake.
We are so much love this park. One of the best place in Austin when it comes to daily exercise & weekends activities. Also love this when spring time come full of bluebonnets flowers which is perfect for photography together with the Lake view. Amazing!
Was a great walk on the trails by the creek, saw some geese and ducks on the shore. There was lots of places to sit and look at the view, would highly recommend if you like a short scenic walk around the creek. If you prefer a longer trail there are trails that extend out that are much longer around the area.
