Kiskadee Trail (1/8 mile, fully accessible) starts at the Visitor Center parking lot.  This short, paved loop surrounds a shallow pond that holds water in wet years. Featuring an observation deck and small bridge, Kiskadee Trail offers even the casual hiker an opportunity for a close-up view of several native shrubs and trees and a variety of common birds.

Mesquite Trail (1.5 mile) starts at the Visitor Center parking lot. Trees shade portions of the trail as it winds through grassy savannas. Two small ponds located along the trail hold water in wet years. Signs of deer and coyote are evident along the trail.

Great Kiskadee. Photo by USFWS.

Paisano Trail (1 mile, mostly paved) starts 1 mile from the Visitor Center on Bayside Drive, and is a remnant of the gunnery range located here during World War II. Verdin, greater roadrunner, long-billed thrasher, and plain chachalaca await the watchful birder are often seen in this area. 

Moranco Blanco (1.5 miles) starts a short distance past Redhead Ridge on Bayside Drive. Moranco Blanco is a primitive route with good views of the bay and yucca in bloom in the spring spring.

Lakeside Trail (1.5 miles) starts at Osprey Overlook on the Laguna Atascosa. Views of the lake and thorn forest provide the possibility of good birding possibilities. Wildflowers are plentiful, especially during March and April.

Alligator at Alligator Pond. Photo by USFWS.

Alligator Pond (.25 mile south of Osprey Overlook): Alligator watching has become very popular at the Refuge and during wet years Alligator Pond usually has a gator or two.  This pond features an observation deck which can sometimes also offer a view of birds and mammals and the small wetland habitat.  In some years visitors can see alligators in the rescaca next to Lakeside Drive and in Pelican Lake along Bayside Drive. Alligators can also sometimes be seen on the resaca on Lakeside Drive and in Pelican Lake on the Bayside Drive.  Alligators can be dangerous.  Do not feed or disturb them and always keep a close eye on small children and pets near Refuge wetlands.

Whitetail Trail (4.2 miles) is located on FM 106, 5.7 miles from the Visitor Center.  Whitetail deer, javelina, roadrunners, and a variety of other birds can usually be found throughout the year along this service road which loops through native thorn brush and coastal prairie.

Tour Roads    
Open sunrise to sunset, daily. 

Bayside Drive: This paved, 15-mile, one-way loop passes through thorn forest and coastal prairies before reaching the Laguna Madre. The shelter at Redhead Ridge Overlook and numerous vehicle pullouts allow for nature photography and viewing. Note: Restrooms and drinking water are not available along the route.

Caracara taking off from Spanish Dagger. Photo by USFWS.

Lakeside Drive: It's only a short one and a half miles out to the lake that gives the Refuge its name. Atascosa means "muddy" in Spanish, which describes the shallow lake on windy days. The lake is an important resting and feeding area for the more than 20 species of waterfowl that winter here. Osprey Overlook features two permanently mounted telescopes for a closer look.
Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.

Biking

Bicycles are permitted on tour roads and some service roads.  Service roads are primitive routes where riders should be prepared for emergencies.  Check with Refuge staff for approved routes and trail maps.  Bring plenty of water and sun protection, patch kits to repair a flat, and be prepared to walk several miles if your bike breaks down. 

Off-road riding is prohibited.