Texas

Texas has a wonderful state park system, and Balmorhea State Park in West Texas is no exception. Located a few hours southeast of El Paso, Balmorhea boasts a large natural spring with views of the Davis Mountains. Stay in the cabins or camp on location. This is a great place for year round scuba ...

Lake Somerville State Park has two portions you can visit, Nails Creek on the South side of the lake, and Birch Creek located on the North side of the lake. Both offer a variety of activities including camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.Within the Nails Creek Unit you can se...

I love McAllister Park. Sure it can get a little stinky after the torrential Texas rains sweep through, but on a clear, dry day you can always find a new and LOVELY trail.  The Mud Creek Loop (or the Green Loop) is a 1.5 mile dirt trail used by hikers and mountain bikers. The trail itself is rela...

You don't have to rent a bike but it's the "Austin" thing to do. With plenty of pick up and drop off locations all throughout the city you can start the trip and end it whenever you feel like it! It's recommended to start the trip on South Congress at the bike rental located near Doc's Motorworks...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

The trick to this view is that the park gate closes at 5 pm. Therefore you have two options: Option 1Park at the entrance of the park (outside of the gate) and hike into the park. From there walk along the road to the park entrance ($5 entrance fee) and continue to the first left road ...