Things to Do

Off The Beaten Path: Outdoor Adventure Guide for the Texas Hill Country

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Springtime in the Texas Hill Country leaves many of us itching (and we don’t mean just from seasonal allergies) to get up, get outside, and to get moving. The pleasant temperatures, the cobalt blue skies, and the return of the wildflowers seem to signal folks to head outdoors. While Texas is full of lots of manufactured outdoor fun, the best outdoor adventures to be had typically happen on the trails and campgrounds that dot the rolling hills of Central Texas. So, dig out the tent, grease your bicycle chains, and make your plans for an outdoor adventure in the Texas Hill Country.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy nature. Aside from a good pair of walking shoes, one needs little “gear” to go on a hike. You can go any speed you feel comfortable with, and it’s inclusive of all ages and most abilities. Plus, something magical seems to happen when you stop for a moment to notice the world around you.

Hikers travel from all over the state to hike in the Texas Hill Country. With challenging elevations and scenic views for miles, there are hiking areas in every corner of the area that draw folks in. Here are a few not-to-be-missed hiking locations in the Texas Hill Country:

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Vanderpool, Texas

Off The Beaten Path: Outdoor Adventure Guide for the Texas Hill Country
Photo: tpwd.texas.gov

Perhaps you’ve visited Lost Maples State Natural Area during the fall to get a glimpse of one of Texas’ best shows of fall leaves, but what many don’t know is that Lost Maples is breathtakingly beautiful year-round. In the spring, wildflowers are in bloom, and the vivid colors, coupled with a backdrop of canyon walls, provide the perfect setting for reconnecting with nature.

Lost Maples has over 10 miles of hiking trails, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. Ranging from rugged to smooth, the hiking at Lost Maples is fit for anyone looking to get out and enjoy nature.

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