The Texas Hill Country offers an abundance of campgrounds, state parks, nature preserves and private ranches perfect for great hikes. You’ll get a chance to explore the terrain while taking in the breathtaking scenery, and you’ll get a great, low-impact workout. You can’t go wrong with hikes through any of the beautiful state parks and natural areas throughout the Hill Country. These are our top picks for Texas Hill Country hikes you need to try now.
Things to Do
12 Amazing Texas Hill Country Hikes You Need to Try
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12. Barton Creek Greenbelt – Austin, TX
Photo: Facebook/Erika Hoemke
The greenbelt has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with terrain ranging from flat to fairly elevated. Some areas along the greenbelt are suitable for climbing, as well. You can access the trail at various points, but the most convenient is at the south end of the Barton Springs Pool parking lot.
11. Garner State Park – Concan, TX
Photo: tpwd.texas.gov
This beautiful 1,420-acre park has 11 miles of trails, with about three miles of river frontage. You can catch a glimpse of many different native wildlife species and take in the stone cliffs and huge cypress tress. Adventurous hikers can trek up to Old Baldy for an amazing view of the Frio River below.
10. Cibolo Nature Center – Boerne, TX
Photo: Facebook/Cibolo Creek Nature & Farm
The Nature Center is on a 100-acre site and offers four distinct ecosystems available for nature viewing and hiking. If you visit in the spring, you’ll have spectacular views of the wildflowers on the Texas prairie portion of the trails.
9. Bear Springs Blossom Nature Preserve – Pipe Creek, TX
Photo: Facebook/Bear Springs Blossom Nature Preserve
This 125-acre preserve has nine trails winding through different habitats, including desert-like terrain, hills, Madrone Trees and native grasses. You can also view a canyon with a pond built by Pipe Creek surrounded by Spanish oak and 200-year-old junipers. Visitors can take a guided nature and birding tour or hike in the preserve’s hilly terrain.
8. Lost Maples State Natural Area – Vanderpool, TX
Photo: tpwd.texas.gov
This 2,174-acre park is located in the Sabinal River Canyon, and it is a must-see from mid October through mid November, when the Uvalde Bigtooth Maple trees display their gorgeous fall foliage. Be sure to bring your camera, as the park also offers ample bird watching opportunities.
7. Pace Bend Park – Spicewood, TX
Photo: parks.traviscountytx.gov
Pace Bend Park offer nine miles of shoreline along Lake Travis. The park spans 1,368 acres with varied terrain, including cliffs, and you’ll find a huge area of land available for hiking. If you prefer mountain biking, the park has trails for you too.
6. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center – Round Mountain, TX
Photo: Facebook/Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
This beautiful preserve has a cave, hiking trail and a lovely waterfall. Visitors can hike among the various native trees and take wildlife photos. The Discovery Center stay true to its name with a fully staffed educational center onsite and guided nighttime tours.
5. Prospect Park & Purgatory Creek Greenspace – San Marcos, TX
Photo: Facebook/Raymund Lastierre
The Purgatory Natural Area spans 463 acres, and the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance constructed miles of trails perfect for walking, hiking and bird watching. You must stay on the trails, as this is an environmentally sensitive area above the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The preserve includes upland meadows, canyon bluffs and various native flora and fauna.
4. Colorado Bend State Park – Bend, TX
Photo: tpwd.texas.gov
This 5,328-acre park on the Colorado River has an abundance of habitats and features, including caves and 32 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Be sure to take a guided tour of the beautiful, 60-foot Gorman Falls. The trails by the river offer a striking view of a cliff on the other side of the river.
3. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge – Marble Falls, TX
Photo: fws.gov
This refuge was built to protect the natural habitats of Golden-Cheeked Warblers, Black-Capped Vireos and several other native bird species. With five miles of hiking trails and an observation deck, you’re sure to encounter myriad wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Hill Country State Natural Area – Bandera, TX
Photo: tpwd.texas.gov
The Hill Country Natural Area has over 40 miles of multi-use trails for hikes and mountain biking, including a flat 2.5-mile trail. Horseback riding is permitted in the park as well. If you are interested in riding a horse, you can rent one from one of the liveries in Bandera or bring your own.
1. Enchanted Rock Natural Area – Crabapple, TX
Photo: tpwd.texas.gov
This ancient batholith is one of the best places in Texas for rock climbing and amazing hikes. The pink granite dome rises approximately 425 feet above the ground, and the view from the top is simply amazing. During warm months, you can hear the crackling sounds made by the rock at night.
