The hiking possibilities are endless in Texas. Here are a few hiking options that are off the beaten path. Each site holds its own unique signatures of history, beauty, and adventure that will make you want to come back year after year. Get out in nature and hit these hidden hiking trails.
Nature
Hit These Hidden Hiking Trails of the Lone Star State
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Pictograph Trails in Hueco Tanks State Park
Photo: @midge1324 via Twenty20
Hiking fanatics can change their typical wooded scenery for ancient Indian pictographs at a Hueco Tanks State Park. Take your pick of three trails through the syenite porphyry mountains near El Paso, which all lead to mesmerizing cave drawings. Go on your own or take the tour and see one of the highest concentrations in North America of mask pictographs. The Desert Archaic and the Jornada Mogollon left the most pictographs among a few other Native American tribes. The Pictograph Trails are not just a hike through nature but also a hike through Texas history. It’s a perfect addition to our list of hidden hiking trails.
Devil’s Waterhole Trail at Inks Lake State Park
Photo: @geyergretchen via Twenty20
Take a short hike in Inks Lake State Park where a beautiful reservoir, the Devil’s Waterhole, is tucked away within diving cliffs. The beautiful swimming spot is located in Burnet, Texas, just northwest of Austin. The waterhole is 3,000 feet wide and 4.2 miles long. The water is surrounded by lush Hill Country greenery and large boulders, perfect for diving and jumping. The park, however, isn’t exclusive to swimming, you can also camp, picnic, fish, and canoe. There is a 3.3-mile family-friendly hike throughout the spectacular park, but you don’t have to hike to reach the waterhole. It’s a perfect place to bring the family for a summer cool down.
Gorman Falls Trail at Colorado Bend State Park
Photo: @lisareza12 via Twenty20
Enjoy a living 70-foot cascading waterfall deep in the Hill Country at Colorado Bend State Park off FM 580. Take the 1.5 mile or the 3-mile hike through luscious and rugged terrain. The end of the trail is a breathtaking 70-foot view of the falls. After a hot hike, take a dip in Spicewood springs, paddle the river, fish, or take a cave tour. For visitors who want to bask in the beauty a little longer, the park offers walk-in tent sites, drive-up sitesm and primitive hike-in sites.
Don’t miss out! Experience these great hidden hiking trails of the Lone Star State!
