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Bend, Texas

Top Spots in and near Bend

  • Lometa, Texas

    Gorman Falls

    4.0
    3.23 mi / 427 ft gain
    Gorman Falls is truly a gem of the Texas Hill Country. This waterfall is situated in Colorado Bend State Park, one of the most diverse state parks in the area, and is what is considered a "living" waterfall. While most waterfalls will get smaller over time, Gorman Falls gets bigger. This is due t...
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  • Bend, Texas

    Hike to Spicewood Springs via Spicewood Canyon Trail

    5.0
    3.81 mi / 367 ft gain
    Spicewood Spring is a spring-fed swimming hole in Colorado Bend State Park and can be reached in one of two ways. There is an out and back trail that will take about 3.6 miles round trip if you just want to swim, but I prefer turning it into a scenic hike that takes you through Spicewood Canyon a...
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  • Llano, Texas

    Catch a Sunset at Badu Park

    Located in the small but fun town of Llano, Texas, Badu Park is a great location for catching a sunset, fishing, picnicking, or just plain chilling. This location is located about an hour and a half west of Austin, Texas (75 miles) but is well worth the drive for a day trip!  The dam is a popular...
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  • Burnet, Texas

    Hike the Inks Lake State Park Trail

    4.0
    4.7 mi / 347 ft gain
    The Inks Lake State Park Trail is a 4.7 mile loop trail located within Inks Lake State Park, just outside of Burnet, Texas. Only a small portion of the trail follows the lake, then it veers off through the rocky and hilly terrain of the Texas Hill Country. The trail is only partially shaded at ti...
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  • Burnet, Texas

    Camp at Inks Lake's Pecan Flats

    5.0
    2 mi
    Inks Lake is located northwest of Austin and is home to about 200 campsites. For a more unique experience and to be set away from the parks many visitors, choose the Pecan Flats Trail Primitive Camp which is about a mile hike from the Pecan Flats trailhead.Once you enter the park, the Pecan Flats...
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  • Burnet, Texas

    Tour the Longhorn Caverns

    5.0
    1.1 mi
    The Longhorn Cavern State Park is a hidden gem in the Hill Country. The caverns are breathtaking and some of the walls are completely covered in Quartz. During prohibition, bootleggers used the caverns as a speakeasy and there are remnants left from that era. In order to view the Caverns you must...
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  • Marble Falls, Texas

    Camp at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    6 mi / 80 ft gain
    After turning off Highway 1431 you'll drive through a little quiet and narrow one road neighborhood to arrive at the entrance to Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. From there you will drive down a dirt road which will take you almost all the way through Shaffer Bend's 523 acre lot, and lead you direct...
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  • Fredericksburg, Texas

    Turkey Peak via Turkey Pass Trail

    4.0
    1.19 mi / 184 ft gain
    There isn't an official trail to Turkey Peak, but it is one of the best views in the park. This is no easy climb, so be prepared to be sweating! From the parking lot head towards the Gazebo. From there begins the Summit Trail that leads to the top of Enchanted Rock, but you want to stay right, t...
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  • Fredericksburg, Texas

    Enchanted Rock Summit Trail

    5.0
    1.27 mi / 400 ft gain
    Enchanted Rock Summit Trail is an out-and-back hike that offers expansive views in Hill Country from the 1823ft summit of Enchanted Rock located near Llano, TX. Keep in mind that this trail can get crowded on holidays and weekends. The park closes to visitors if it's overcrowded, so be sure to ma...
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  • Fredericksburg, Texas

    Enchanted Rock Loop

    4.9
    5.13 mi / 344 ft gain
    Once inside the park, you can't miss either parking lots that are surrounded by picnic tables and well marked signs pointing towards the trails. There are also some public restrooms and a truck with some snacks. Once geared up, head straight towards the Summit Trail and begin your adventure! The...
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  • Llano, Texas

    Primitive Camp at Moss Lake

    3.3 mi / 300 ft gain
    Enchanted Rock is one of the most popular destinations in Texas, but if you want to enhance your experience at this treasured site, I suggested primitive camping at Moss Lake. The majority of the campsites are drive-up or walk-in and become overcrowded, especially on the weekends. Moss Lake is th...
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  • Spicewood, Texas

    Explore Krause Springs

    4.0
    Spend the day swimming and exploring or stay the night and see everything this privately owned park has to offer! From the spring fed concrete pool, to natural spring fed swimming hole, waterfall, butterfly gardens and more! Bring your tent or even your RV! They take reservations for RV hookups o...
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  • Spicewood, Texas

    Hike through Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

    5.0
    5.4 mi / 365 ft gain
    Spend all day wandering the endless fields of bluebonnets above the banks of the Colorado River in this hill country oasis. MuleshoeBend Recreation Area is just 50 minutes outside of Austin in Spicewood, TX. It has 540 acres of trails, camping, and picnic tables. The highlight of this park is the...
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  • Liberty Hill, Texas

    Hike the Good Water Trail

    5.0
    12.6 mi / 1270 ft gain
    The Good Water Trail which is part of the larger Good Water Loop, is a 12.6 mile point-to-point hike. This trail is heavily trafficked by both hikers and mountain bikers alike. It's a great trail for scenic views, nature, and wildlife. Please be advised that the trail is severely rocky and uneven...
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