The best way to experience the sheer volume of natural beauty in this area of Texas is by way of foot power! Hiking provides the slower pace (not to mention, exercise) that a road trip doesn’t quite satisfy. It’s also a great activity for the entire family. We’ve gathered ‘round the best Lone Star hiking trails in the area.
If you are seeking an easy hike and a scenic picnic spot, this area is only 16 miles northwest in San Marcos. Stunning upland meadows featuring juniper groves, bountiful champion oak trees, and tall canyon bluffs will be your companions on your trek. With more than nine miles of trails, you have ample opportunity to work off your picnic lunch (or get you good and hungry for one.) Wildlife abounds with white-tailed deer and the trails are fairly flat with just a few gentle rolls.
Sculpture Falls at BARTON CREEK WILDERNESS PARK
Located in West Austin, five solid miles of trail take you through both heavily-trafficked and more quiet surroundings. This hike is considered “moderate” and is accessible year-round for hiking and mountain bikers. The high point of this trek is the illustrious Sculpture Falls.
This is one of the most scenic walks to take in Texas, located about 60 miles northwest of San Marcos River Resort. This is perfect for your next family outing, where the park trails run the gamut between easy to moderately difficult. For beginners, try the ½ mile Twin Falls Nature Trail for wonderful views of the falls. The Wolf Mountain Trail, at six miles long, provides for a more challenging hike. Families with young kids will enjoy the duck pond, and there is wheelchair accessible wildlife viewing station.
Take a leisurely stroll through picturesque downtown Austin along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. You will meander along the edge of Lady Bird Lake as you pass skyscrapers, ball fields, skyscrapers, and other cultural attractions. The trail is 10 miles long, but you certainly don’t have to do all ten, but trading natural vistas for inspiring cityscape is a great way to get acquainted with the city of Austin, its people, and its vibrant culture.
Located just outside of Gonzales, this lovely state park is just 18 miles southeast of the resort. It has a well-shaded and maintained trail system, perfect for hikers of all skill levels, with plenty of wildlife to look for. The three main trails are by themselves fairly short but are interconnected so you can loop them together for a more substantial hike. However, if you are short on time, make sure you do the 1.4-mile River Loop Trail! There’s just 32 feet of elevation gain with fantastic river views. Then finish your hike on the Ottine Swamp Trail, featuring wildflowers and several quaint wooden bridges.
GOVERNMENT CANYON STATE NATURAL AREA
Sure, this is almost 80 miles and 1.5 hours away from the resort by car west of San Antonio, but is well worth it and a wonderful place to bring the kiddos. Why? Because there are 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks here! Kids will adore this hike. The Overlook Trail is near to the tracks, with the entire trail at only 3 miles. Consider walking the Joe Johnston Route to view the dinosaur tracks at ground level if you are concerned about the height of the overlook with the little ones in tow.
