Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Photo by Jessica Schneider
For anyone planning to visit Central Texas, or if you’re just looking to get away, there are a number of national and state parks that offer camping, hiking, climbing, and swimming.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Rd 965
Fredericksburg TX 78624
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/
Enchanted Rock is located north of Fredericksburg, and offers an incredibly scenic spot to hike as well as climb. Located on the border between Gillespie and Llano Counties, if you’re looking to rock climb, then this would be the place to go. It is recommended that you wear proper shoes (no open toed) because there are places to hike both on flat terrain as well as boulder climbing.
Enchanted Rock. Photo by Jessica Schneider
Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City TX 78636
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/pedernales_falls/
The main attraction at Pedernales Falls State Park is the falls themselves. Flash flooding can occur at any time, and visitors are prohibited from swimming in them. The park does offer a place to swim at a different location, as well as a hiking trail. Note: the hiking trail is flat and not as scenic as some other parks. Directions can also be difficult when it comes to finding the park. If you plan to go, calling ahead to make sure you take the correct route is a good idea.
The Falls. Photo by Jessica Schneider
Inks Lake State Park
3630 Park Road 4 West
Burnet TX 78611
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/inks/
Inks Lake State Park offers hiking and swimming. Very easy to find, this park is one of the best places for swimming. Visitors can park their cars close by and picnic and swim. The hiking trails are nice, though some are poorly marked, but they are fairly easy to navigate nonetheless.
Your Examiner swimming at Inks. Photo by Dan Schneider
Longhorn Cavern State Park
P.O. Box 732
Burnet, Texas 78611
1-877-441-CAVE
830/598-CAVE
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/longhorn_cavern/
The website notes: “The park features historical and nature study. Located in the heart of the Highland Lakes, Longhorn Cavern is near four different lakes and communities that offer excellent opportunities in camping, fishing, and hunting.”
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
P O Box 238
Stonewall TX 78671
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lyndon_b_johnson/
The website notes: “Visitors to this day-use park can enjoy historical study, picnicking, nature study, fishing, swimming and view Texas longhorn cattle. The abundant wildlife of the Hill Country is highlighted by enclosures containing buffalo, longhorn, and white-tailed deer. These animals have played a part in the park's history and the local wildlife continues to be an important attraction for visitors. The park is famous for its spring wildflower display.”
LBJ National Park
Blanco State Park
P O Box 493
Blanco TX 78606
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/blanco/
The website notes: “Activities include camping; swimming; picnicking; hiking; nature study; boating (electric motors only); and fishing. Tube, canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park.”
Guadalupe River State Park
3350 Park Rd 31
Spring Branch TX 78070
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/guadalupe_river/
The website notes: “The park has 4 miles of river frontage and is located in the middle of a 9-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River. Park visitors may enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including canoeing, fishing, swimming, tubing, picnicking, hiking, and camping. The park recently opened a 5.3 miles equestrian trail that is also open to mountain biking. No equestrian camping is available at the park. Opportunities also exist for less vigorous but more serene pursuits, such as bird watching and nature study. Tours: There is a two-hour guided interpretive tour of the adjacent Honey Creek State Natural Area. The tour emphasizing history, geology, flora, and fauna is given Saturday at 9:00 a.m.; call park to confirm.”
Kerrville-Schreiner Park
(Operated by the City of Kerrville)
2385 Bandera Highway
Kerrville TX 78028
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/kerrville_schreiner/
Although Kerrville-Schreiner Park is no longer a part of the State Park system, the activities include, “boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, unsupervised swimming in the river, bird watching, hiking, walking, and cycling,” according to the website.
Upcoming reviews and more photos of these individual parks will be provided courtesy of your Examiner. Please check the websites for directions and details.
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