Waterfront scenic drives in Texas don’t have to be along the coast. In fact, one of my all-time favorites runs straight through the beautiful Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. The Shoveler Pond Trail can either be driven or walked, and it showcases not only a beautiful body of water, but also native wildlife and amazing sunsets.

If you're looking for a beautiful scenic drive in Texas that's short enough for a spontaneous afternoon adventure, the Shoveler Pond Trail is it. Located in the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, this 4.1-mile loop is accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians, and the views are unbeatable.
AllTrails Brent Miller
The trail parallels Shoveler Pond, which is a small body of water within the wildlife refuge. It's breathtakingly blue and brimming with wildlife, so don't forget your camera!
AllTrails R. Alvarez
You'll see birds, fish, and plenty of gators (this particular wildlife refuge is known for them, after all!), and it's truly amazing to observe the animals in their natural habitat.
AllTrails Carl Sonnier

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Boardwalks and gravel paths branch off from the main trail, so if you're traveling on foot (or you'd like to park, get out, and explore a bit), there's plenty of room for adventure.
AllTrails Racheal Morris
If you do decide to spend some time walking, make sure to go heavy on the sunscreen and bug spray. There's no shade anywhere on the trail, and the mosquitos do not hold back!
AllTrails Alexandra Madden
The water is honestly some of the prettiest I've ever seen (at least for Southeast Texas - if you know, you know). I especially love how the trees reflect on the water; the contrast between the lush greenery, the blue sky, and the sapphire pond is too beautiful for words.
AllTrails Dawn Brown
And if you're a sucker for sunsets like I am, they're pretty spectacular here.
AllTrails Alexandra Pearcy

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Shoveler Pond Trail, and be sure to sign up for AllTrails+ for additional perks such as live-sharing capability and printable maps.

Have you ever taken this drive? What are your favorite waterfront scenic drives in Texas? Tell us in the comments! Check out our previous article below to learn more about the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

The Texas Park Worth Driving Across The State To Explore

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Featured Addresses
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, 4318 FM1985, Anahuac, TX 77514, USA