Lufkin's Azalea Trail is a 1.9 mile nature trail that runs from Grace Dunne Richardson Park to Kiwanis Park. The trail is limited to pedestrian and bicycle traffic and has an improved surface; portions are asphalt and the remainder is a packed and maintained dirt surface. The trail offers benches for enjoying nature along the way. There are scores of native plants to enjoy and there are small gardens of Azaleas and ornamental grasses that have been planted and are maintained by the City of Lufkin Parks and Recreation Department. The trail has security lighting along its entire length and there are call boxes located at strategic points along the trail for your security.
The trail offers excellent birding opportunities and notable species include: Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested and Scissor-tailed flycatchers, Hermit and Wood Thrushes, Swainson's Warbler, Nesting birds: White-eyed, Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo's Northern Parula, Yellow-throated, Pine, Black-and-White and Hooded Warblers, Common Yellowthroat and Summer Tanager, Great area for Spring and Fall migrants, Winter Sparrows: Chipping, Lincoln's and White-Throated. Wildlife you may encounter include: rabbits, fox and grey squirrels, raccoons, armadillos, several species of lizards to include the green anole, dozens of species of brightly colored butterflies and numerous species of turtles in the creek that runs parallel to the trail.
The trail runs by several shopping opportunities in lufkin to include the Angelina Mall and the Lufkin Mall.
Directions: In Lufkin, enter at Grace Dunne Richardson Park, off Loop 287 in south Lufkin, or from Kiwanis Park on Timberland Drive.