Things to Do

Accessible Texas Hill Country Parks: Bringing Nature Within Reach

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Nature should be available to all, regardless of ability. Many Texas parks have wheelchair accessible trails, observation areas, and picnic tables. These give everyone the chance to get out and enjoy Texas. Since weather conditions may affect accessibility, especially on trails, check with the park before visiting to ensure full accessibility. Have fun with the entire family when you check out these accessible Texas Hill Country parks.

1. Bastrop State Park

Accessible Texas Hill Country Parks Bastrop State Park

Photo: Facebook/Bastrop State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife

Though severely damaged by forest fires, Bastrop State Park has recovered and opened most of the park back up to visitors. Though among accessible Texas Hill Country parks, this is a little farther to the east, just to the southeast of Austin, and is still is a must-see park. You’ll find campsites, picnic areas, cabins, and fishing spots which are all wheelchair accessible. Call ahead, though, as some portions of the park remain under construction, and occasionally controlled burns are done to help restore the natural flora balance.

2. Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory

Accessible Texas Hill Country Parks Hornsby Bend

Photo: Facebook/Hornsby Bend

If you don’t live in Austin, you may not have heard of Hornsby Bend. This prime birding spot is also among the accessible Texas Hill Country parks. Many of the trails and the lagoon are wheelchair accessible, depending on weather conditions. You’ll be able to see the dozens of bird species that pass through here. To date, birders have identified 350 species in the park. How many will you see?

3. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park

Accessible Texas Hill Country Parks LBJ State Park

Photo: Facebook/LBJ State Park and Historic Site – Texas Parks and Wildlife

The home of former President Lyndon B. Johnson is both a state park and historic site. Though some of the gravel paths at this park can be tricky to navigate in a wheelchair, other parts of the park are more accessible. The swimming pool, restrooms, and picnic areas are all designed with full accessibility in mind.

4. Old Tunnel State Park

Accessible Texas Hill Country Parks Old Tunnel State Park

Photo: Facebook/Old Tunnel State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife

If you want to see thousands of bats emerge from a tunnel, come to Old Tunnel State Park. Once a railroad tunnel, this park now houses millions of bats that fly out nightly between May and October. Two viewing areas let people watch this stunning event. The upper viewing area above the tunnel and near the parking lot is wheelchair accessible. For the lower viewing area, the cost is $5 per person, but the upper viewing area is free. Arrive early and bring exact cash as the park will close the viewing areas when they reach capacity, and only exact change is excepted.

5. Pedernales Falls State Park

Accessible Texas Hill Country Parks Bird Blind at Pedernales Falls State Park

Photo: Facebook/Pedernales Falls State Park

Another great park for birding and wildlife viewing with accessible facilities is Pedernales Falls State Park. Though most of the trails are tough, with some crossing creeks and going up flights of stairs, the park has a bird blind with an accessible path to it. The restrooms also are accessible in the park.