There are 11 miles of trails in Miller Springs Nature Center, which is located in Belton on the opposite side of the dam from Belton Lake.
The nature center consists of 10 blazed trail loops and several connector/access trails taking you through wetlands, canyons, upland forests and prairie habitats.
There are two trailheads, one being located at Miller Spring Park off of F.M. 439 and the main one located across the spillway at the Miller Springs Nature Center off of F.M. 2271. I would suggest parking at the Miller Spring Park Trailhead as there is more parking.
The flood of 2015 really took its toll on this park and the trails. The trails have remained closed since 2015 and just reopened this year (2017). There are many trails that are still closed and are being repaired and there are some that will be closed indefinitely.
Also, dogs are NOT allowed anywhere in the Nature Center or on the Trails. Miller Springs Park allows dogs, but the must stay confined to Miller Springs Park. The metal gate you go through to access the trails is the boundary between the park and the nature center. Dogs are not allowed past the gate.
Also, keep in mind that many of the trails are no longer marked or trails that were once loops now lead to nowhere due to damage from flooding. Take a map and compass with you and know how to use both. Also, make sure to take plenty of water.
Diverse Terrain
Miller Springs Nature Center offers diverse terrain ranging from forest, to canyon, to prairie and really is one of the nicer hiking areas around.
Nature photographers will love the vast assortment of animals and plants and the ever changing terrain allows for a great workout!
Pictures of Miller Springs Nature Center
Information
Distance from Fort Hood: 22 Miles (from Fort Hood center)
It’s open again? I heard it was closed for the longest time
Yes, it opened back up in March I believe. There are several trails still closed because of the flooding, but the majority is open again. I did run into several that were not closed but ended at water (where there shouldn’t have been water), so just be watchful and prepared to back track lol.
Lol awesome thank you!!!
No problem =) If the weather holds up, I plan on taking my son (also an avid hiker) out there this weekend to explore more of the trails to give a better report of which trails are good and which are still bad.