Huntsville State Park

A popular park great for fishing, boating and horseback riding.

This heavily wooded park adjoins the Sam Houston National Forest and encloses the 210-acre Lake Raven. The park offers camping, hiking, biking, boating (motor size unrestricted; speed is limited to idle speed), guided horseback trail rides with horses provided by 2E Stables, fishing, swimming in an unsupervised swimming area, canoe and paddle boat rentals, and nature study.

The Nature Center features live animals, a fish tank, bird nests and other collections, as well as information on a wide variety of topics. Programs and special events are planned on a regular basis; check the calendar for upcoming events and programs. The center's hours of operation vary throughout the year. Check with the office for information.

Programs for groups (schools, scouts, etc.) can be scheduled in advance by contacting the park. Two weeks' advance notice is requested.

Nature

This park lies in the pineywoods of the Sam Houston National Forest, near the western edge of the Southern Pine Belt. These woodlands, dominated by loblolly and shortleaf pines typical of the East Texas Pine Belt, provide attractive camping and picnic areas and surround scenic Lake Raven, a 210-acre impoundment. Lake Raven, fed by three major creeks, offers fishing for crappie, perch, catfish and bass.

Hiking trails have been constructed so that wildlife and birds can be observed in a natural setting. White-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, migratory waterfowl and fox squirrels are just a few of the creatures that may be discovered in their natural environment. Occasionally, alligators may be observed in the lake.

History

Huntsville State Park is a 2,083.2-acre recreational area, six miles southwest of Huntsville, in Walker County. It was acquired by deeds from private owners in 1937 and was opened in 1938.

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