Nature

Guadalupe River State Park Leaves You Breathless… In a Good Way!

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Just a quick trip from both Austin and San Antonio, in the Texas Hill Country, is serenity and peace. No, we’re not kidding. You’ll find it in the form of four miles of river frontage at Guadalupe River State Park. Acquired by the state from private landowners in the mid-‘70s, the park officially opened in 1983 and has been hosting those who love to get into the outdoors ever since, whether to be active or to simply sit and take it all in!

Although for the first few months of any given year, it would be ridiculous to try and go for a swim, Guadalupe River State Park has ample opportunity for you to do so in the warm Texas weather we get all the rest of the year. In the meantime, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ensures that there are still lots of great recreational possibilities at the park on a daily basis.

This time of the year, Guadalupe River State Park plays host to star parties for all the astronomers at heart. Park rangers and guides also host hiking tours of Honey Creek State Natural Area on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as night hikes! There’s also archery, birding, and geocaching.

Video: YouTube/Texas Parks and Wildlife

Shared on the Texas Parks and Wildlife official YouTube channel, the video above features just three minutes of detail on the Guadalupe River State Park and all the Hill Country beauty, education, and recreation it has to offer. The video caption says the park “has scenic Hill Country views of rugged limestone cliffs and clear flowing waters. As you enjoy tubing down the river or exploring the park’s nature trails, the stress of city life will fade away.” With some 13-odd miles of biking and hiking trails, the park is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle and get out into the woods. The sights, sounds, and smells you’ll experience there, from the foliage to the fauna, the river itself, and the amazing ecosystem it supports, will leave you absolutely breathless—in a good way!