Lago Vista, Texas

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. 

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

This trail is shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. The trail is open for use year round, featuring beautiful wildflowers in the spring.  The trail can be slightly hard to spot - a good place to park is next to a church off Old Hwy 80, and a spur trail will take you t...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

The Dante's Trail and Backend Loop is a 2.5 mile loop hike located within the Purgatory Creek Greenspace area just south of San Marcos, Texas. This particular section of the Greenspace is made of flattened crushed gravel and is mostly shaded. The trail is very well maintained and several benches ...