Description:
The Good Water trail makes a compete loop of 26 miles around Lake Georgetoewn reservoir. All camping must be at the designated primitive camp sites (Sawyer, Cedar Hollow or Walnut) or the “car camping” sites (Jim Hogg, Tejas, Cedar Breaks or Russell). This is an excellent trail frequently climbing the limestone bluffs and offering nice scenic views. The limestone outcrop is the Edwards formation of the Edwards Aquifer that feed SE Texas. The trail can be difficult to follow in places and the following description is offered for a clockwise trip from Cedar Breaks. Enjoy this one – it is a gem.
GoodWater Loop - Cedar Breaks– Clockwise
From Cedar Breaks Goodwater trail head parking (Mile 0) head west follow trail to mile 2.5 at Crocket Springs and water fall. Continue over two dilapidated bridges and a nice sink hole at mile 4. Continue to find stone marker for Cedar Hollow camp. Side trail departs on the right to the camp (along lake shore). From stone marker continue along trail on the top of the limestone bluff. About a mile from Cedar Hollow the trail goes up a rugged trail and splits. Take the right fork – there is a rock carne here, but really easy to miss the turn. If you miss it after about 50 yards you will see a fence corner and private property on your right – double back and look for the trail split. After the split you will see mile marker 5 fairly quickly. There is a trail split right at the marker – take the left trail (right trail dead ends at the lake shore). From mile 5, trail descends craggy slope to an earthen dam. Cross the dam and continue straight – There is a trail sign marking the trail at the top of the opening past the dam. Continue several ups ands downs and arrive at Sawyer rock pile. Sawyer trail splits to right (toward lake) It is hard to see and is really many trails. Just head toward the lake to get to the Sawyer camp – nicest camp site is under the old oak past the latrine.
From Sawyer rock pile head up the trail back to the top of the bluff. Follow trail up and down to a stream crossing (can be difficult in high water) and “illegal” camp site, then along an old levy. Trail incises a stream valley at mile 8. When water is high, it may be necessary to follow the stream way upstream to find the place to cross – there is one.
From here there is a very nice walk around the point on the flood plain. The trail splits at the point – take the left fork that heads up the hill back to the top of the bluff. Observe vulture tree! On bluff past mile 9 the trail quickly descends. Look out over lake at top of the descent – when it is low the Hunt’s Crossing bridge may be visible (above water) – if it is, it is a short cut to the north side of the lake – joins up at about mile 12.5. If not follow old jeep trail to Tejas camp, cross bridge to north shore (mile 11). Trail follows the verge of fields and a double track path to just short of mile 15 where there is a trail sign showing the trail turning left (signed to “Rustler”). If water is low, continue straight all the way to Walnut camp. High water requires incising the hollow where mile 15 can be observed while retuning to the main trail.
From Walnut, trail follows dual track for about a mile where the trail cuts left into the forest and climbs back up to the top of the bluff eventually reaching Russell parking area. The trail leaves the parking area at about 2:00 on an unmarked gravel path. Follow path to split – make left and cross park road near guard gate then another road just prior to mile 17. Trail makes large incise up Ox Hollow. At the 2nd stream crossing (before mile 19) of Ox Hollow look left (upstream) there is an excellent swimming hole. A severe switch back can get you turned around here, pay attention. Continue to Jim Hogg Park. When entering the park the gravel trail cuts diagonally (at about 10:00) across the open area. The unmarked trail re-enters the forest next to the dumpster. Trail is easy to follow from here to Overlook Park. At Overlook, use the paved path in front of the restrooms to take you to the dam road. Cross dam and go up the road through the rock cut to the park gate. Through the gate, down the hill to the parking area completing the loop.
