Texas

Mayfield Nature Preserve is a 21-acre park located just west of downtown Austin, Texas. This nature preserve is unique from all other parks in Austin in that it that features free-roaming peacocks. It's a beautiful park full of beautiful nature and the trail leads down near the lake. The trail is...

Before I describe this trail, what season are you hiking? If summer, stop reading now and find another hike. Not summer? Okay, great, let's get started. Do not take inexperienced hikers on this trail, particularly in hotter weather. While it's only 8 miles total (4 out, 4 back), it's constantly ...

The Arboretum is a 155 acre nature sanctuary located within Memorial Park, about 6 miles from downtown Houston. The trails alternate between gravel, dirt, and wooden walkways and wind through a variety of Houston habitats: everything from bayou, to pond, wetland, meadow and prairie with virtually...

Start the route by walking back to picnic ground entrance, crossing Can Creek where it flows into the Sabinal River, then going up Can Creek to the dam and "The Pond", reverse direction at The Pond and backtrack to the picnic ground startpoint. Then continue on to the East Trail trailhead and fol...

This hike is about 3.2 miles in total and is an out-and-back trail found within the Barton Creek Greenbelt stretch. The trail follows along the Barton Creek and is popularly known for the two major waterfalls it entails: Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, which are very popular swimming destinations...

This is a pretty challenging hike but the view is most definitely worth the effort. There are two sides you can hike up on: the east and west. The west side is more popular as it gives a view of the Austin skyline as well the Pennybacker Bridge. However, the east side is good for sunset viewing. ...

The Chalk Ridge Falls Trail can be found within Chalk Ridge Falls Park just outside of Belton, Texas. The trail features one main waterfall as well as a neat suspension bridge. The hike to the waterfall and the bridge are not but about half a mile from the parking lot. Overall the trail is about ...

The Katy Trail cuts through the busy downtown Dallas area and offers the perfect way to get away for a lunch break or afternoon walk. The trail runs from Mockingbird to Houston St and can be traveled in both directions. The best place for parking is at the North end off of Travis and Knox St wher...

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...

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...

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...

The loop around the lake is just over one mile, and is great for doing repeats. A six mile run here is a wonderful way to spend a morning, as the ducks and geese come to life and the sun rises over the lake. There are so many varied species, colors, and varieties of ducks here it can be quite ama...

The trailheads are located in neighborhoods and parking isn't really too much of an issue. The shortest entrance is located off Barton Hills Dr. A quick google search and you will find it and the labeled trail. You walk down into the Barton Creek Green Belt and your spirits are uplifted. That cra...

Park at the Houston Audubon Society (see map) to access the trail. Great place for birding and wildlife viewing. This trail is accessible from 7am-7pm and is good for all skill levels. 

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...

Located just north of Fort Worth, Eagle Mountain Park offers about ten miles of trails (roundtrip, two different loops) with great views of the beautiful Eagle Mountain Lake, and serene walks through cross timber forest. There are two main loops. The northern loop is about 3.5 miles round trip. T...