Alyssa2017 shall be a year of hikes for the Twenty Something team. While the fast paced city gets our heart beating, nothing compares to the calming and blissful feeling that comes with walking along a creekside or trekking onto a mountain trail. Texas State Parks compiled a list of nine must-see state parks and we’re excited to try them all!
Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
North of Houston rests Huntsville State Park, a state park with a gorgeous view of the Texas pine woods. With 21 miles of trails, canoes and fishing, you will not be bored.
Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site is located between San Antonio and Big Bend. The state park features ancient rock art, mountain bike trails and 46 campsites.
Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Located within El Paso’s city limit we find Franklin Mountains State Park, a state park with one hundred miles of rugged desert trails. If you’re looking for some trails to make you sweat, this is the park you’re looking for. Don’t forget lots of water and sunscreen, especially during the hot months.
Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Caprock Canyons State Park, located in the panhandle of Texas, provides you with a unique opportunity to gaze upon bison in their natural habitat. Trails range from beginner (Mesa Trail) to intense (Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail) with lengths ranging from 1 to 15 miles.
Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Are you looking for a short trail that will allow you to experience all the beauty nature has to offer? Take on Tyler State Park‘s Whispering Pines Nature Trail complete with pine trees, beautiful bridges and waterfalls. Oh, and there’s a gorgeous lake you can float in!
Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Oh, Garner, how we love you. The Frio River winds through 1,774 acres of scenic Hill Country terrain and provides wanderlusters with a beautiful space to hike or swim. If you’re not into camping in tents, Garner is great because of their available cabins.
One of our favorite state parks in Texas is Colorado Bend State Park – home of Gorman Falls. With opportunities for primitive camping, hiking, mountain biking, caving, fishing, swimming, paddling, birding and wildlife viewing, the two and a half drive from San Antonio is well worth it.
Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Located in Fredericksburg, TX is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, one of the most popular hiking spots for San Antonioians based on it’s close proximity. With nearly 11 miles of hiking trails, the massive dome known as Enchanted Rock also offers camping, rock climbing, picnics and bird watching. Unfortunately you cannot swim or ride bikes on the trails.
Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
Are red and orange painted trees your idea of the perfect snapshot? Head to Lost Maples State Natural Area where you can fish, hike or just gaze upon the gorgeous foliage.