With breathtaking scenery and sweeping views, the Texas Hill Country is one of the best places to hike in the state of Texas. The terrain varies, so one moment you may be admiring rugged limestone or granite hills punctuated by cacti and the next you’ll stumble upon gorgeous springs, rivers, and grassy knolls shaded by Texas live oaks. Texas Hill Country hiking is the best way to intimately experience the beauty of the countryside, and some hikes are more spectacular than others. Discover some of the best Texas Hill Country hiking below!
The Best Texas Hill Country Hiking
Blanco State Park
The Blanco State Park borders a one-mile stretch of the beautiful spring-fed Blanco River. Since it is fairly small, there are just a handful of scenic hiking trails, making this a good choice for the hiker that is looking for a leisurely stroll. The trails run alongside the river, with the Caswell Nature Trail being the most popular. Blanco State Park is a good place to spend a few hours—try to find a geocache while you are here, or bring a picnic and relax while you take in the views of the river. Other things you can do here include fishing, fishing, and paddling.
Canyon Lake Gorge
Visit Canyon Lake Gorge to learn about the Texas Hill Country as you admire it. The gorge was formed from a flash flood in 2002, whose torrents exposed until-then geology features that were subterranean—this includes dinosaur tracks and fossils outlined in the ancient limestone. Because of efforts to preserve the gorge, only guided tours are available. These last three hours, but they aren’t overly strenuous as it is mostly downhill and taken at a moderately slow pace.
Cypress Creek Nature Trail and Preserve
The city of Wimberley developed just over seven acres of land along Cypress Creek into a preserve and nature trail. The Cypress Creek Nature Trail is in a good location close to Wimberley, and as you are allowed to swim in Cypress Creek, it’s a great place to cool off on a hot day.
Lookout Mountain, a.k.a. Old Baldy, a.k.a. Prayer Mountain
You’ll have to climb just over 200 steps to get to the top of Old Baldy, but the panoramic views you’ll see from the top are more than enough of a reward. The Hill Country stretches off into the distance, and wide open skies open up above. There’s also a geocache near the top of Lookout Mountain.
Patsy Glenn Refuge
Did you know that the Texas Hill Country is a fantastic place for birdwatching? The Patsy Glenn Refuge is a bird sanctuary in the heart of Wimberley. It acts as a refuge for local and migrating birds, wildlife, insects, and native plants. Many of the plants here serve a purpose beyond their beauty; several were selected for the express purpose of attracting bird, butterflies, and wildlife. Bring your binoculars so you can keep an eye out as you walk along the nature trails!
Pedernales Falls State Park
There are several excellent trails at Pedernales State Park. The trails range in difficulty, so if you are looking for a challenge or avoiding one, there is a trail for you! Some of the easier trails end in overlooks where you’ll be standing on exposed stone overlooking the river and falls below. Others take you down by the riverside to places where you can cool off in the river. If you are in the mood for a longer hike through the forest, the Wolf Mountain Trail and 5.5-mile Loop Trail will not disappoint!
Stay in a Luxurious Inn
These parks and preserves are just some of the places you’ll discover when you go hiking in the Texas Hill Country. Discover what else the Hill Country has to offer when you stay at the Blair House Inn. You’ll find that you can still enjoy the famed beauty of the area while staying in a peaceful oasis in the heart of it all.
Escape city life for a while and reconnect with nature at our inn. Enjoy luxurious amenities like comfortable beds, whirlpool tubs, crackling fireplaces, and cozy seating areas, all situated inside sophisticated, spacious lodgings. You’ll find that the Blair House Inn is one of a kind—from our world-class cooking school to our tranquil day spa, there is as much to do on site as there is in the surrounding Hill Country. No matter what you choose to do during your stay, you’re sure to leave feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated.
Be sure to take a look at all of our gorgeous accommodations before you book your stay in the Texas Hill Country! Â
