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HIKING TRAILS
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One of the great outdoor activities in Texas is hiking because we've got such a variety of terrain to explore. There are forests, hills, mountains, deserts, caves, etc. Texas is a big state, however, so I've broken this list down into trails near Austin and trails far away. Far away can be elsewhere in the Hill Country, or it can be out in north or west texas. |
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TRAILS IN OR NEAR AUSTIN (Within an hour's drive) |
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BARTON CREEK GREENBELTVery nice, but very crowded hiking and swimming. |
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BASTROP STATE PARKTall pine trees and many miles of hiking trails. |
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BRIGHT LEAF STATE NATURAL AREANear 2222 and Mesa, this large hiking trail has little to offer. |
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BULL CREEK DISTRICT PARK & GREENBELTBest dog park in town, plus good hiking and biking trails with lots of running water. |
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CANYONLANDS HIKING TRAILA nice, rugged hiking trail in Lakeway |
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CANYON OF EAGLESLong, but mediocre hiking near Burnet |
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CHALK RIDGE FALLS PARKNice, easy hiking trail near Salado with lots of water features and a cave. |
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HAMILTON GREENBELTAn excellent hiking trail in Lakeway. |
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Most people go for the swimming, but there's also a great hiking trail and exploring behind the falls is really cool! |
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MCKINNEY FALLSGreat for folks who live on the East side of town since it is the only nice park anywhere near there. |
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MCKINNEY ROUGHSVery scenic and well maintained hiking trails with river access. |
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PACE BEND PARK ON LAKE TRAVIS6 miles of Lake Travis shoreline - but there are also a few miles of decent trails. |
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PEDERNALES FALLSThis is one of my favorite State Parks. It is totally awesome if you visit it after a recent thunderstorm when the falls are roaring. Every time you go, this park is different due to the changing water conditions. |
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SOUTHEAST METRO PARKAnother mediocre hiking trail east of Austin. |
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TURKEY CREEKPart of Emma Long Park, this is my favorite hiking trail in Austin. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet because they will get soaked from the dozen or so water crossings which can get deep after a good rain. |
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WESTCAVE PRESERVEAbout a mile from Hamilton Pool, this is a truly beautiful site with a large waterfall, a cave, and lots else to see. Guided tours only. |
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WILD BASIN PRESERVEA nice nature preserve with a 2 mile trail off 360 near 2244. |
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ZILKER PARK / TOWN LAKE HIKE & BIKE TRAILTrails, botanical gardens, natural springs, nature center... you name it, this park has it. |
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PARKS & TRAILS OUTSIDE OF AUSTIN (1+ hours away) |
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BIG BEND NATIONAL PARKAn 8 hour drive, but probably the best hiking in the state! |
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BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARKThe ultimate hideaway in West Texas. |
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CANYON LAKE GORGEBeautiful geology formed in 2002. |
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CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARKGreat camping and hiking up in north Texas. |
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COLORADO BEND STATE PARKThis is one of my favorite state parks! |
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DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARKNice state park out in West Texas, but near many interesting sites. |
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ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREABetween Llano and Fredericksburg - my favorite state park. |
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HILL COUNTRY STATE NATURAL AREAIn Bandera a ways west of San Antonio - some of the best hiking in Central Texas. |
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LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARKIn Burnet, one of the most unique caves in Texas. |
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LOST MAPLES STATE PARKHuge sheer cliffs, running water, incredible hiking trails. Visit in the fall to see awesome fall color! |
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PALMETTO STATE PARKLush foliage, short hiking trails. |
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PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARKGreat camping and hiking in north Texas. |
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SEMINOLE CANYON STATE PARKSee Indian rock art and take an awesome all-day tour, and stay the night. |
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©2001-2011 Brian Greenstone