Little Lake Creek / Stubblefield
Little Lake Creek is located in Sam Houston National Forest along FM 149 about 5 miles north of the FM 150 junction. The area offers loop trails of varying length from 5 to 30+ miles so troops can customize treks to the age and physical ability of the crews. Trails loop through Little Lake Creek Wilderness Area. Trails are well marked and bridges and boardwalks are common in swampy areas. Despite this, the area can be very swampy during the rainy season (particularly the southern Little Lake Loop trail). The 20 mile loop to the east of the parking area on FM 149 is ideal for a weekend (Caney Creek Loop). From the southern parking area, head east (be careful not to miss the trail split off from the pipeline about 1-2 miles from the parking area) to the primitive campsite (on high sandy ground) along the southern Lake Conroe feeder stream (no name) – water can be treated. Considering the expanse of this low-lying area, this campsite is particularly noteworthy. Approaching Caney Creek, a trained eye will note the transition form piney wood to low land flood plain with extensive palmetto growth. Water supply is available from Caney Creek approximately 3 miles north of Lake Conroe – it is also deep enough for a wade and cool off in the hot weather. At the top of Caney Creek the trail splits - the Lone Star Trail cuts off toward Lake Conroe and Stubblefield Campground. This description continues around LLC loop. Note the water at Caney Creek is the last water until the second crossing of Pole Creek in the southeast corner of the loop, nearly 20 miles away. Water should be tanked in advance at the northern FM149 trail crossing if desired – this is advisable as Pole Creek and Little Lake Creek water flow is unreliable. In dire situations, there is a farmer’s house with a donkey watering station. The owner is very nice and let us have free access to his hose in the pen. When you cross Osburn Road (237) (dirt) half way between Caney Creek and FM149 his driveway is about ½ mile south of the trail crossing on the left side of the road. The house is set back up the hill an additional ¼ mile. Stop in and ask permission to get some water. – only the donkey will mind (cover your ears!). The two northern loops in the Little Lake Creek area are basically dry with the exception of several isolated ponds. Water from these ponds is generally acceptable for treating. The northern most parking area along Rt. 149 is the head (milepost 0) of the Lone Star Trail.
