Texas

White Rock Lake is the crown jewel of Dallas. It includes a 9.3 mile loop trail that is available for hikers, bikers, and walkers. In addition to the trail, there are several scenic docks for fishers or people just looking to spend the evening somewhere outside of downtown. Whether you are lookin...

If you are looking for expansive views of the Chisos Basin in Big Bend NP, the Lost Mine and South Rim Trails are MUST do's!  The South Rim Trail is a much longer 12+ mile hike (best views in park) which some will overnight or experience in a full day trek.  If you do not have time for the South ...

Huntsville State Park's 250 acre Raven Lake is a perfect spot for catching a sunrise. Watch for Egrets along the shoreline while enjoying the solitude of the early morning hour. Hang out on the fishing pier and take in the views while watching the sun crest over the surrounding woods. Be sure ...

Note: The lake camping photo is of a Huntsville State Park sanctioned campsite.Huntsville State Park is located about an hour north of Houston off of I-45. As part of the Pineywoods region of Texas, pine trees dot the landscape in Huntsville. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife includi...

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 ...

The majority of the Davis Mountains are privately owned, but the state park is one of the few ways to access it. These mountains are surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and is one of three sky islands in Texas. There are many rare plants and species in the Davis Mountains that exist nowhere else....

There is plenty of parking at the trailhead and a covered picnic table. The hike is mostly flat, but some big rock negotiation is necessary. If there has been rain, you may need to negotiate some standing water. We were lucky to have dry conditions and did not need to maneuver around any water. D...

Kelly's Pond is a primitive camping area off the beaten path with no potable water or electricity. There is an open grass area around the pond where tent camping is permitted-- as far as I am aware the spots are first-come, first-serve.Some perks of the location: Proximity to Lake Conroe allows f...

Looking for the chance to get up close and personal with some American Alligators? Brazos Bend will do just that and more. Located within a stone's throw from the thriving metropolis of Houston, the park is home to more than 300 different species of wildlife. With about 25 miles of trails in the...

Of all the trails in Palo Duro Canyon, the Rock Garden is arguably the most challenging, the most strenuous, and – not coincidentally – rewards hikers with the best views of the canyon. It is a five-mile round-trip hike with a rigorous incline, and is the only trail in the park that takes hikers ...

The parking area contains ample parking, bathrooms and covered picnic tables. The clearly marked trail head sits to the south of the circular parking area and welcomes hikers, trail-runners, mountain bikers, and dogs. The trail is a 7 mile loop that consists of 4 smaller trails that are clearl...

Park in the big lot off E Little Elm Trail Road (see map) to access the trailhead. Trail is accessible year round and is dog-friendly. 

El Paso is a sprawling city that is remarkably split by the Franklin Mountains. By driving up the Transmountain Road you can get a view of city, but stopping at Franklin State Park and climbing the North Franklin Mountain Peak you can top the city! To start, enter Franklin State Park and pay the ...

Cameron Park is shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. You can also fish and canoe in the park. The trail system offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to see wildflowers and wildlife.  There are restrooms, water fountai...

Outside of the fantastic job market, one of the most magical things about Austin is how quickly you can go from city life to being immersed in nature. Nearly every day, I take a quick jaunt down to the Barton Creek Greenbelt with my trusty companion, Sage the Chocolate Lab. We live within walking...

Eisenhower Park is located on the north side of San Antonio, outside of loop 1604. Take the road to Camp Bullis, and you'll see the entrance to the park on your left a few hundred feet before the gate to the military base. The Cedar Flats trail will get you to your destination. It's an easy mile ...