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Dale, Texas

Top Spots in and near Dale

  • Cedar Creek, Texas

    Pine Ridge Overlook

    4.5
    2.95 mi
    Pine Ridge Overlook is one of the longest hikes at McKinney Roughs Nature Area offering 2.7 miles through piney woods that overlook valleys and offer glimpses of the Colorado River. McKinney Roughs is considered a nature and learning park and requires a $5 entrance fee per-person at the Visitor ...
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  • Garfield, Texas

    Hike the Southeast Metropolitan Park Primitive Trail

    4.0
    2.17 mi / 223 ft gain
    The Southeast Metropolitan Park Primitive Trail is a quick 2.3 mile hike, perfect for families, hikers, and trail runners. This trail is dog friendly, and is open for use year round. This hike is lightly trafficked, so this is a great place to go if you are looking for some solitude. 
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  • Austin, Texas

    Relax at McKinney Falls

    4.0
    McKinney Falls is separated into the Upper and Lower Falls along Onion Creek just 15 miles outside of Austin. The pin I dropped on the map gets you to the parking lot at the Upper Falls. From there it is a very short walk past the Smith Visitor Center to the falls. The upper falls offers some sha...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Homestead Trail

    4.0
    3.1 mi / 157 ft gain
    The Homestead Loop hike is a 3.1 mile loop featuring the Lower Falls of McKinney Falls State Park. The hike is pretty intermediate and is mostly shaded. There are not many inclines. It is both dog- and kid-friendly. The trail does cross small streams, so be weary to bring water shoes/sandals.  Th...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Onion Creek And Homestead Trail Loop

    5.0
    6.5 mi / 387 ft gain
    The Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is a 6.5 mile loop hike within McKinney Falls State Park, just outside of Austin city limits. The trail is long however pretty beginner level as there are not many inclines. The trail features two waterfalls: the Upper and Lower falls which are popular swi...
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  • Niederwald, Texas

    Explore the Five Mile Dam Park

    Located about 6 miles from downtown San Marcos, the Five Mile Dam Park is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and other outdoor activities. It has a large flat field for playing soccer as well as many bathrooms. The Blanco River flows through the park and as the name implies, there is a ...
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  • Bastrop, Texas

    Bike the Lost Pines of Bastrop

    13 mi / 823 ft gain
    In the fall of 2011, the most destructive fire in Texas history burned through Bastrop, just 45 minutes east of Austin, TX. This makes for an interesting, and eerie, bike ride. As you ride through the park, you can see the extent of damage the fire caused. It's also amazing to see the vegetation ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Mary Moore Searight Park Trail

    2.1 mi / 65 ft gain
    The outer loop trail at Mary Moore Searight park is 2.1 miles and is interconnected by several smaller trails, which can be used to shorten the length of the hike. The trail is relatively easy with very few inclines and declines. The trail is mostly very thin crushed gravel and great for an easy ...
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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike the Spring Lake Preserve Loop

    4.31 mi / 380 ft gain
    The Spring Lake Preserve Trail is a 4.3 mile loop trail located within the The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment in San Marcos, Texas. The hike offers beautiful and scenic lake views. It's perfect for families and those of all ages. There are a wide variety of nature and wildlife spott...
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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike Spring Lake Wetland Walk

    5.0
    0.7 mi / 6 ft gain
    The Spring Lake Wetland Walk is a 0.7 mile loop hike located in The Meadows Center for Water and Environment. It's a great walk with a self-guided tour purposed for learning about the surrounding nature, wildlife, and invasive species. This area is not particularly great for exercising or anythin...
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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Swim at Rio Vista Waterfall

    4.7
    Located about an hour north of San Antonio. The San Marcos River at Rio Vista Park in San Marcos, a short drive off from I-35. There are pretty trees for setting up your hammock or to have have a picnic in the shade. Rio Vista offers a small waterfall that you can slide down, flotation recommende...
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  • Gonzales, Texas

    Hike the Ottine Swamp Trail

    4.0
    1.2 mi / 13 ft gain
    The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.Wide gravel partly shaded trail that is well maintained. $3 / person over 12 (or free with a Texas State Park Pass) to enter the park.
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  • Austin, Texas

    Visit the Cathedral of Junk

    4.7
    The Cathedral of Junk is a hidden gem within the Austin City Limits, actually located in the Artists backyard. Construction was started back in 1988 by Vince Hahnemann and he still continues to add to it to this day! Climb to the top of the tower to rock out on the drum set or maybe even catch a ...
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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, And Ovid East Loop

    5.0
    3 mi / 131 ft gain
    The Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, and Ovid East Loop is a 2.98 mile loop trail that begins in Prospect Park and makes a  loop around through the Purgatory Greenspace in San Marcos, Texas. The trail is mostly shaded and a little rocky at certain sections. However, this is a great hiking trail ...
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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike Limbo, Dante, and Ripheus Loop

    2 mi / 98 ft gain
    The Limbo, Dante, and Ripheus Loop is a 2-mile loop hike in San Marcos, Texas found within the Purgatory Creek Green space. The trail is a filled with nature and is perfect for escaping the business of town. The trail is beautiful during the spring, with an abundance of wildflowers. It is mostly ...
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  • San Marcos, Texas

    Hike Limbo Loop

    1 mi / 55 ft gain
    The Limbo Loop is a 1-mile loop hike in San Marcos, Texas found within the Purgatory Creek Green space. The trail is a filled with nature and wildlife. The trail is beautiful during the spring, with an abundance of wildflowers. It is mostly shaded, with few inclines. The trail is family and dog-...
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Camping and Lodging in Dale

Austin East KOA Holiday
Austin, Texas

Austin East KOA Holiday

Getaway Hill Country
Wimberley, Texas

Getaway Hill Country

From $99 / night

Potters Creek Park
Canyon Lake, Texas

Potters Creek Park

Cranes Mill Park
Canyon Lake, Texas

Cranes Mill Park

Leander / NW Austin  KOA Holiday
Leander, Texas

Leander / NW Austin KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Dale

Erin's Travel Guide to Austin, Texas

Erin's Travel Guide to Austin, Texas

Erin Newman-Mitchell

10 Must-Do Adventures Near Austin, Texas

10 Must-Do Adventures Near Austin, Texas

The Outbound Collective

Top 20 hikes near Austin, Texas

Top 20 hikes near Austin, Texas

Aurora Slaughter