Horseshoe Bay, Texas

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...

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...

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...

The Hamilton Greenbelt is a 5.1 mile out-and-back neighborhood hike located in Lakeway, just 15 miles outside of downtown Austin. The trail is located in a neighborhood and is extremely well-maintained. At the entrance of the trail you will find a little garden area with a small waterfall and a s...

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...

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...

This is a great trail to get some exercise close to downtown Austin, Texas. The trail at Natural Preserve at River Place is well maintained and has stairs and plenty of elevation gain to make your legs a little wobbly by the time you get back to your car. The trail is a 5.5-mile out-and-back hike...

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...

The Little Fern Trail is a 1.9 mile out-and-back hike that is a part of the River Place Nature Trail. It is perfect for hiking, walking, running, and biking. The trail is open for use year-round and is easy to follow, with lots of small, side waterfalls and lush greenery scattered along. The tree...

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. 

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...

Turkey Creek trail is a 2.7 mile out-and-back hike located within Emma Long Metropolitan Park in Northwest Austin, Texas. This trail is perfect for cycling, running, walking, and general exercise. The trail is made of dirt with few inclines. Please note, however, at the beginning of the trail the...

Parked in parking lot and walked yellow trail until it met up with the river then followed the river to the blue, purple, green trails back to parking lot. With many stops for photographs this little loop took less than an hour. North red is a little trail is longer. Where the yellow/orange/red ...

St. Edwards Park offers 2 main trails taking you along a creek, up hill trails with gorgeous views from atop a bluff, through exposed meadows filled with prairie grasses and cacti, and to a small swimming hole with a rope swing. The Creek Trail is a much easier, family friendly hike compared to ...

St. Edwards Green and Red Loop is a 2.7 mile loop hike located in northwest, Austin, Texas. The trail is heavily trafficked, but has a great nature scene, including a multitude of bird species and wildflowers. Bull creek flows through the trail, creating a waterfall at one point which makes for a...

Part park, part preserve, St. Edwards Park is not too well known, even among long time Austin residents. It's hidden away on old Spicewood Springs Road, beyond the Loop 360 boundary beyond which most people do not venture. The park consists of two parts, one park and one preserve. The portion of ...