Goodwater Loop | Loop the lake. Earn the dam.

The Goodwater Loop circles Lake Georgetown on 26.5 miles of limestone trail through juniper forest, open prairie, and river bottomland… making it the best beginner backpacking loop in Texas. Start in Georgetown, finish on top of a dam.

Section 1 · Cedar Breaks → Sawyer Camp (~7 miles | Mile 0–7)

The trail begins at Cedar Breaks Park (the most popular starting point) and immediately turns rough. Expect the most technical terrain of the entire loop here – jagged “cheese grater” limestone, cedar forest, and lake bluffs.

You’ll pass a historic homestead site and Crockett Garden Springs, a lush spring-fed area surrounded by ferns. The trail then continues to Sawyer Camp, a primitive site right on the lake – a natural Day 1 destination.

• 💧 Water: Lake access at Sawyer (filter required)
• ⛺ Camp: Sawyer (primitive, first-come)
• ⚠️ Rocky terrain throughout – ankle support essential
• 🏛️ Historic homestead and Crockett Garden Springs

Section 2 · Sawyer Camp → Tejas Park (~4 miles | Mile 7–11)

After Sawyer the terrain opens up into open prairie with wide lake views. Near mile 8 you’ll cross a small cold stream – a good water fill-up spot. The trail climbs briefly past a limestone cliff section before dropping back to prairie.

Around mile 10.5 there is an unsigned trail split – stay right then immediately left to reach the Tejas Park trailhead correctly. Tejas Park (~mile 11) offers potable water, restrooms, and a shaded campground and is a key resupply point on the loop.

• 💧 Water: Potable tap at Tejas Park
• ⛺ Camp: Tejas Park (developed, reservations recommended)
• ⚠️ Navigation attention needed at mile 10.5 – unsigned split, stay right then immediately left
• 🌾 Wide prairie views and lake vistas

Section 3 · Tejas Park → Russell Park (~6 miles | Mile 11–17)

The trail crosses the North Fork San Gabriel River on the CR 258 bridge (Hunt Crossing) then follows the north bank of the river. This section is flatter but can feel monotonous – four miles along the northern perimeter before terrain picks up again.

Near Walnut Springs Camp (~mile 15.5, primitive) the trail climbs back into limestone and cedar. You’ll reach Russell Park (~mile 17) where potable water and restrooms are available via a short detour off-trail into the park.

• 💧 Water: Potable at Russell Park (short detour off trail)
• ⛺ Camp: Walnut Springs (primitive), Russell Park (developed)
• 🌉 River crossing via bridge at Hunt Crossing
• 📍 Flatter north shore – less dramatic but easier miles

Section 4 · Russell Park → Jim Hogg Park (~4.5 miles | Mile 17–21.5)

The trail continues through mixed terrain – old rock walls, a burned midden site, and a scenic stone wall switchback. Trail markers become sparse and confusing around mile 20 – pay close attention here. The trail enters Jim Hogg Park right by the gate. Potable water is available here but requires a longer detour into the park. Cedar Hollow Camp (primitive) sits approximately 4–5 miles before Jim Hogg for those who prefer a shorter final day.

• 💧 Water: Jim Hogg Park (longer detour into park)
• ⛺ Camp: Cedar Hollow (primitive), Jim Hogg Park (developed)
• ⚠️ Poor signage miles 20–23 – download offline map before you go
• 🪨 Historic middens and stone wall features

Section 5 · Jim Hogg Park → Cedar Breaks via Dam (~5 miles | Mile 21.5–26.5)

The final section runs singletrack to Overlook Park, where a water faucet is available near the restrooms. The trail then transitions to a closed paved road across the top of the North San Gabriel Dam – a dramatic finish with sweeping lake views. The road leads directly back to Cedar Breaks Park. The last two miles on gravel and pavement are the easiest of the loop and a welcome relief on tired feet.

• 💧 Water: Overlook Park restrooms (~mile 25)
• 🌊 Dam crossing with panoramic lake views
• ✅ Final 2 miles on pavement – easiest terrain of the loop

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Camping Overview

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Water Sources

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Town & Resupply

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Key Planning Notes