Spring is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy our state’s natural beauty before the summer heat makes a midday hike unbearable. Lace up your boots, grab the fam, and consider exploring some of these nearby parks and trails.
Reimers Ranch Park: This Travis County park draws in thousands of visitors every year who flock to it for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Rock climbers love it for the limestone cliffs, and mountain bikers can’t get enough of its 18 miles of trails.
Don’t let the more adventurous appeal of this park put you off when it comes to a family-friendly hike, though. The park has several trails that are only open to hikers and include both granite and dirt hiking trails. The park also offers monthly guided bird-watching hikes that are included as part of the park’s daily entrance fee.
Guadalupe River State Park: It’s easy to understand why this park is such a popular spot in the summer. There’s really no better way to beat the Texas heat than tubbing down the Guadalupe River.
Tubbing season may still be a few months away, but this park still has plenty worth checking out for a daytime visit. The park offers 13 miles of trails that range from the 2.86-mile Painted Bunting Trail to the 0.3-mile River Overlook Trail. Be sure to stop by the Discovery Center before or after your hike to learn more about the park’s natural wildlife and history. The park also offers RV and tent sites, making it a great choice for a relaxing weekend retreat.
Pedernales Falls State Park: Located about 50 minutes northeast of Kyle, this tranquil state park is best known for its huge slabs of limestone. The park offers a range of outdoor recreation, including horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and, of course, lots of hiking opportunities.
The range of trail difficulties makes it a great choice for family-friendly hiking of all skill levels. Families with younger children will enjoy the .5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail. At the same time, those with more experienced and adventurous hikers may want to tackle the 6-mile Wolf Mountain Trail.
Enchanted Rock: A Hill Country hiking list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Enchanted Rock State Park. The pink granite dome that rises out of the Texas landscape has been attracting visitors for thousands of years, and that attraction continues today.
The park includes 11 miles of hiking trails. While a climb to the top of the rock may not be in the cards for the littlest members of your family, the Interpretive Loop trail is on the easier side. There’s no wrong time to visit the park, but for a truly awesome experience, opt for sunset and linger a little longer for some stargazing.
You don’t have to venture far for some great hiking in the Kyle area. It’s one of the many things that make this part of Texas so appealing. To learn more and find your dream home here, contact the Crosswinds team today.