Garfield, Texas

The Sunset deck at Balcones Canyonlands is an amazing family- and pet-friendly spot. Parking is only about 100 feet from the overlook and is easily accessible for any and everyone. The overlook is absolutely serene and great for a picnic. There is also a small beginner trail ("Ridgeline Trail") n...

About a half mile west from the Hwy 183 bridge that crosses the South Fork of the San Gabriel River lies approximately 12 dinosaur footprints embedded in the river bed. Not many people know about the dinosaur tracks just northwest of Austin in Leander, Texas. This is not a marked trail, there ar...

The San Gabriel River trailhead is found within Cedar Breaks Park, just northeast of Georgetown, Texas. The trail is a 7.6 mile moderate out-and-back trail. The trail is heavily trafficked and even more so on weekends. There are several inclines and declines, but nothing too significant. The trai...

This is a 7.6 mile out-and-back trail snaking along the banks of Lake Georgetown. The trailhead is located in Cedar Breaks Park. There is no fee to hike the trail however there are fees for camping, boating, or picnicking so be sure to tell the attendants you are just there to hike. Once through ...

The Good Water Loop is a loop trail around the San Gabriel River through Russel Park and Sawyer Park. Just outside of Georgetown, Texas, this trail is perfect for a lengthy trail run or for an overnight backpacking trip. This trail is open year-round, and dogs are allowed to use this trail if kep...

The Good Water Trail Loop from Cedar Breaks is a 10.1 mile loop hike that begins within Cedar Breaks Park, just northeast of Georgetown, Texas. The trail is heavily trafficked and even more so on weekends. There are several inclines and declines, but nothing too significant. The trail has rough t...

Granger Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that starts off in Taylor Park in Granger Texas. At the end of the trail are primitive campsites, accessible by hike or by boat. This trail is used by hikers and bikers and dog-friendly on leash. Backcountry campground reservations for Fox Bottom Camp A...

Jacob's well is a 12 foot opening that goes 23 feet deep in a riverbed in central Texas and makes for an awesome spot to escape the summer heat. Once you reach the parking lot there are signs that direct you on the very shot walk to the riverbed. The underwater cave is situated below a rock face ...

Old Baldy Trail is a 0.2 mile out-and-back trail located between FM 2325 and FM 12 in Wimberley, Texas. The trail leads to the summit of a large hill with an overlook of the town  and its surrounding area. It's a great location for a picnic or to just hang out and definitely worth the effort. Fa...

Hamilton Pool Preserve, about a 45 minute drive from Austin, TX, is one of the most beautiful places to spend a hot, Texas afternoon. A short hike from the parking lot through a wooded forest opens up onto a scenic, natural pool. The small beach to one side is usually dotted with sunbathers and p...

Milton Reimer's Ranch is a limestone sport-climbing crag in Dripping Springs, Texas near Austin, Texas with hundreds of routes. The park is divided into two main sections--Reimer's and North Shore, each with their own parking lot. Approaches are quite easy and well marked. The original Reimer's a...

Located about 25 miles from downtown Austin, Westcave Preserve is a beautiful and family-friendly day adventure. The trail is out-and-back about .7 miles long. It leads down into a very lush green canyon filled with a variety of plant species and ferns. At the end of the trail is the main feature...

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...

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...

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...

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.