Trip Report: The trails are somewhat poorly labeled, but just use the
as your compass and you'll make it back OK (if you are camping/using screened shelter). The trails will make you walk a great deal, and the first part part of the hiking trail (the entrance on the right) is the best part - full of rocks and and a decent size hill.....
Throughout the hike you'll walk much more than climb. The wide hike (part of the back country) eventually comes up on flowery vegetation on the north end and gets more narrow, but for the most part very little shade or elevation. Part of the trail was closed because of flooding. The narrow trails can get a bit swampy and full of mosquitos and especially spider webs. Keep applying that bug spray. Rest Areas are labeled on the map but not on the trail - they are pretty much implied.
We rarely came across people on Sunday. Our Saturday hike had more people on it but it was far from crowded. The biggest drag on the hiking trails are the gun shots from the firing range - which all came on Sunday. I've heard of being able to go a full day without hearing it - we didn't hear any on Saturday late afternoon/evening, but on Sunday we couldn't get away from them.
We did not come across as much wildlife as in the Hill Country Natural Area - We believe we saw a bobcat late at night near our screened shelter. We did see a grass snake on Sunday and a ton of little lizards. Plus a their were few cardinals flying around too, so it wasn't boring by any means.
Overall, the hike is one of the best I've done yet in Texas. A great day of exercise, and if you prefer jogging you have plenty of opportunities. The hike can last you 5-6 hours if you do the majority of the trails on the map. (NOT including the trailhead).