The gorgeous Texas Hill Country is full of rugged hills made up of granite and limestone that make it cherished by outdoorsy key ins the south and main parts of the state. Although one might instantly associate it with wineries and places like Johnson City and charming Fredericksburg, the area boasts beautiful surroundings and rugged hills that provide themselves to exciting treks.
If you’re all set to hit the road this season, keep checking out for 7 of our preferred Texas Hill Country walkings to get your actions in from dawn ’til sunset, no matter what your experience level on the dirty routes might be.
Hikers delight in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg, TX.
Phi V. through YelpEnchanted Rock State Natural Area
This legendary landmark is called among the leading Hill Country walkings for great factor. The pink granite mountain, situated roughly 17 miles north of Fredericksburg, increases 425 feet above the park’s base elevation and 1,825 feet above water level. More than 11 treking routes are offered for you to check out and the park’s online interactive trails map makes it simple to browse.
All of the routes close thirty minutes after sundown, with the exception of Loop Trail, which is the just one to stay open after dark. The routes at Enchanted Rock variety from simple to challenging, so there’s something for each hiker, however think about these walkings more of a moderate to extreme exercise– as climbing it resembles rising the actions of a 40-story structure.
Find it: 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624; 830-685-3636
The end of Tinaja Trail at Colorado Bend State Park in Bend,Texas The path is the most challenging of the park’s 14 walkings and takes about 2 1/2 hours to stroll.
Lori D. through YelpColorado Bend State Park
For another enchanting take a look at nature’s marvels, head to Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park which lies 90 minutes fromRancho Sienna You can take a self-guided 3-mile trip in this park that has plenty of caverns and springs and trek towards the 70-foot spring-fed waterfall. There are 35 miles of routes in overall at Colorado Bend, quickly ranking it amongst the very best walkings inTexas Hill Country And, if you’re video game while you exist, register for a directed wild cavern trip. Be careful in harsh weather condition, however, as the entryway roadway is understood to flood throughout heavy rain.
Find it: 2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend, TX 76824; 325-628-3240
A household uses a rock at Lost Maples State Natural Area inTexas You’ll discover this gorgeous hiking area in Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio.
Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentLost Maples State Natural Area
When you want to do some leaf-peeping, beginning in about mid-October, Lost Maples State Natural Area is your location, however it’s truthfully a wonderful elegance all year for hikers. The location, situated 2 hours northwest of San Antonio, homes more than 10 miles of routes and one loop even leads you to the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. As with lots of walkings, it is essential to remain on the routes throughout any Lost Maples trek. The surface tends to be rugged and high and although it might be appealing to get on rocks, it’s not smart. Also, know not stepping on the park’s signature bigtooth maples– they have shallow roots and can be harmed if you trek on them.
Find it: 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885; 830-966-3413
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a dream for hikers inTexas Hill Country This nature protect is run by a not-for-profit and lies simply east of Austin.
Dan C. through YelpWestcave Outdoor Discovery Center
Ditch the treadmill and head to the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, which has a big salami 1-mile reasonably ranked hike. This trek veers in and out of the canyon (consider it as the most stunning stair-stepper maker you have actually ever utilized, given that irregular, long stairs were constructed into the canyon). As you approach the canyon, you’ll see a lot more actions in addition to rocks and roots. Proceed with care: you ought to use shoes with thick soles and depend on the hand rails, no matter your experience level.
Keep an eye on the events page at Westcave’s website as the center often uses specialized walkings, like bird-watching treks and after-dark strolls assisted by flashlight. No matter when you go, delight in the gorgeous 40-foot waterfall, wildlife sightings and, obviously, incredible views of the Hill Country at every turn.
Find it: 24814 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, TX 78663; 830-825-3442
Pedernales Falls State Park manages some watery breaks for hikers who travel its lots of routes. The park lies in Texas Hill Country, east of Austin.
Rob McCorkle, Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentPedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls, situated 30 miles west of Austin, uses 9 treking routes that variety from simple to challenging that consist of the half-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail that boasts an amazing ignore over the falls. While this walking usually takes simply thirty minutes to finish, a more difficult trek, such as the Juniper Ridge Trail, includes almost 10 miles relating to 6 hours on foot without looping. Enjoy taking a break at the duck pond, the falls ignore and the 5.5-Mile Loop path– which likewise uses an awesome view of Pedernales Falls.
Find it: 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636; 830-868-7304
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge in Texas Hill Country hosts 245 bird types, a number of which you’ll likely find on any of its 10 treking routes. The views aren’t bad, either.
Ken L. through YelpBalcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Got birds? This wildlife haven situated northwest of Lago Vista sure does. In reality, the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge hosts 245 bird types, a number of which you’ll likely find on any of its 10 routes, if that’s your thing. (This federally regulated haven was basically developed to safeguard 2 threatened types: the black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler.)
These Hill Country walkings vary in strength from mild to moderate amongst some rugged surface, and you’ll likely find a lot of Texas wildlife and plants on your journey, too.
Find it: 24518 Ranch Road 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654; 512-339-9432
Sunsets are untainted magic at Inks Lake State Park beyond Burnet,Texas The walkings and views there have actually made it a preferred area of the Texas Hill Country.
Earl Nottingham, Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentInks Lake State Park
Another chance to see birds and flowers includes treking amongst the 7 1/2 miles of routes atInks Lake State Park Ranging from simple to moderate, its 8 various routes can last from simply 7 to 90 minutes while letting you delight in some rich surroundings along the method. When you trek along the Pecan Flats Trail, the rugged 1.8-mile trek takes you to the website’s greatest elevation, which suggests something: spectacular views that are pleading to be part of your brand-new profile picture.
Find it: 3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX 78611; 512-793-2223
