Go Long
These five Hill Country state parks contain scenic routes for an extended day of hiking.
By Scott Dubois
One of my life goals is to spend as much time as possible outside in the Texas Hill Country.
There is no better way to achieve that goal than by experiencing the region with a full-day hike. The limestone bluffs and green rivers make me happy, and a long trail is fantastic exercise. These extended walks also address a pattern in my disposition — my muscles are warming up over the first couple of miles, but I often find my mind is still elsewhere, ruminating on problems. Henry David Thoreau once said, “I am alarmed when I realize that I have walked a mile into the woods bodily without getting there in spirit.”
For me, the best part of a hike is around mile five, when steady footfall creates the mental space for birdsong and the wind in the trees to flow more freely into my mind. Walking becomes a joy, the landscape comes alive, and my problems are easily left behind. My breath and the crunch of gravel set a soothing rhythm for the second half of the walk that follows me home along with the satisfaction of finishing a big trail.
Fortunately, there are multiple scenic routes through our Hill Country state parks and natural areas for a long day of hiking. You don't have to drive to Big Bend to get your fix; these are my favorite Hill Country trails over 10 miles to please nature lovers and challenge avid hikers.
#1: Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls cascades down the river into organic limestone pools, drawing visitors to this popular state park. The 5,212-acre preserve also has an extensive trail network away from the falls. These trails aren't as dramatic as those in other Hill Country parks, but they are a peaceful destination for a long day hike or a prelude to the falls.
Kick off this hike with the wide multi-use trail that follows the river toward Wolf Mountain. The view of the river is obscured by trees except at the mountain overlook, but I often forgo the overlook to save time and continue my walk toward Jones Spring. Here, you will find the remnants of a historic rock house built in 1870. It is a short climb from the small spring up to Juniper Ridge, where you will spend the rest of this hike. Cutting across the Wheatley Trail makes an 11-mile day, or you can walk the whole of Juniper Ridge for 13 miles total. Juniper Ridge is a very accurate description of the trail, which is a limestone ledge mostly shrouded in junipers. However, you'll be rewarded with long Hill Country views in the last hour before returning to the trailhead.
- Route: Wolf Mountain > Jones Spring > Juniper Ridge
- Length: 11-13.34 miles
- Elevation Gain: 607 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Ignoring the length, this trail is more accessible than the others. The paths are often wide and well-maintained, with one notable uphill section.
- Alltrails Map: bit.ly/PedernalesFallsHike
- Park Website: tpwd.texas.gov/pedernales-falls
#2: Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples is famous for a flush of fall colors from bigtooth maples and red oaks each November, but the 2,906 acres of steep hills are wonderful for a long day hike in any season. My favorite route combines the East and West trails to maximize walking distance and hit all the highlights (with a little backtracking). Almost all of the trail names in the park are similar and directional, and navigating them is fairly straightforward.
The clear Sabinal River flows through Lost Maples. Start by walking upstream along the river on the East Trail, where you can stop to admire the intriguing rock formations at The Grotto and Monkey Rock - which actually looks like a monkey. This trail also has vivid fall colors. From the river, climb up to a long plateau for an aerial view of the park. It's a bit of a scramble down a rocky hillside to the Pond Day Use Area, the perfect place to relax and snack. Continue on the West Trail down wet-weather creeks before passing through scenic Mystic Canyon. Before returning to the pond area via the East-West Trail, you'll pass through a shaded canyon and across a lovely meadow. From here, I like to backtrack on the East Trail. But don't fret — you'll pass the Sabinal again, which is a splendid place to soak your feet at the end of your long journey.
- Route: East Trail > West Trail > West Loop Trail > West Trail > East-West Trail > East Trail
- Length: 13.24 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,686 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging. A couple of big climbs break up this relatively level hike, and the plentiful softball-sized rocks can be challenging to navigate if you have leg troubles.
- Alltrails Map: bit.ly/LostMaplesHike
- Park Website: tpwd.texas.gov/lost-maples
#3: Hill Country State Natural Area
Hill Country State Natural Area is a 5,400-acre preserve located an hour northwest of San Antonio near Bandera. The park's peaked hills, emblematic of the western Hill Country, offer some of the best views in Central Texas. It also has an excellent trail network that allows for long miles and elevation gain in one loop around the entire northern section.
Start by following the Bar-O and Creek Bottom trails through grassy meadows and up Cougar Canyon to stretch your legs. Look out for the peeling red bark of the rare Texas madrone tree around this area. After climbing onto Vista Ridge, the view opens up, and you will pass a historic ranch house before ascending to the West Peak Overlook. This is one of the highest points in the park, with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding ranchland. Continue downhill to Ice Cream Hill via the Spring Branch and Wilderness trails. The plentiful sotol plants and the views from the hill make this one of my favorite areas in any park. From here, follow the Spring Branch Trail casually downhill to end this epic day of hiking.
- Route: Bar-O > Creek Bottom > Hermits > Madrone > Cougar Canyon > Madrone > Vista Ridge > Madrone > Spring Branch > West Peak Overlook > Spring Branch > Wilderness > Spring Branch > Ice Cream Hill > Spring Branch
- Length: 14.39 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,680 feet
- Difficulty: Hard. The length, rocky terrain and multiple climbs make this route the most challenging and my favorite trail on this list.
- Alltrails Map: bit.ly/HillCountrySNA
- Park Website: tpwd.texas.gov/hill-country
#4: Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend State Park protects over six miles of Colorado River frontage upstream of Lake Buchanan, about an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Austin. The park also has plentiful trails and scenic features on its 5,328 acres. Small canyons, rocky outcrops, springs and changes in vegetation keep a long hike interesting.
The riverfront campground near the park headquarters is the place to start your hike and possibly end it relaxing around a campfire. This route starts with a climb up the Spicewood Springs Trail, where you will make multiple creek crossings on the way to the Spicewood Canyon Trail. The Spicewood Springs area is gorgeous, with numerous fern-covered springs flowing over limestone formations. Cross into the park's northern section on Lemon Ridge Pass, which parallels the main road, and take Cedar Chopper to the Tinaja Trail. This trail has lovely views of the Colorado River Valley and passes through a field of boulders with colorful lichen and a tinaja (waterhole). The climax of this hike is the dramatic and dripping Gorman Falls, where limestone appears to melt down the cliff face. From here, it's a long way back to camp. Fortunately, the River Trail is shaded by towering pecan trees, and you can stop to cool off in the water, have lunch or look for caves on your way to the finish line.
- Route: Spicewood Canyon > Lemon Ridge Pass > Cedar Chopper Loop > Tinaja > Gorman Falls > River
- Length: 13.46 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,037 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. There are some slippery sections around Gorman Falls and Spicewood Canyon, but the main challenge is the trail's length.
- Alltrails Map: bit.ly/ColoradoBend
- Park Website: tpwd.texas.gov/colorado-bend
#5: Government Canyon State Natural Area
Government Canyon was created to protect the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer, San Antonio's primary water source. The housing developments that are beginning to crop up at the borders of the natural area speak to the importance of protecting it. Inside the 12,000 protected acres, you'll find pleasant rolling hills dotted with wildflowers and miles of trails to escape from the bustle of the growing city. There is also a modern visitors center and great signage in the park because of the number of people who come to see the famous fossilized dinosaur tracks.
Hike along the park's eastern perimeter up the Recharge and Far Reaches trails to start your day. These pass through nicely restored post oak savannah with plentiful yellow wildflowers in late spring. Continue north on the Sendero Balcones Trail, and keep an eye out for birds. I spotted a summer tanager on my last visit, and endangered golden-cheeked warblers also reside there during warmer months. Outside of warbler nesting season — which takes place March-September — you can hike into the protected bird habitat on the park's north end for a long 14-mile trek. If it's closed, you can still do 12 miles. That path continues from Sendero down the Joe Johnson Route toward the dinosaur tracks. The dinosaur track area is where you're most likely to encounter other visitors. To escape any crowds, take the Overlook Trail and view the tracks from the top of the canyon. From this scenic viewpoint, it's an easy two-plus miles back to the trailhead.
Note: The park is only open Friday through Monday, so I suggest booking reservations online on busy weekends.
- Route: Recharge > Far Reaches > Sendero Balcones > (Black Hill Loop in season) > Joe Johnston Route > Overlook Trail > Joe Johnston Route
- Length: 11.18 - 14.35 miles
- Elevation Gain: 764-978 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. You can put together a long hike here, with enough hills for good ups and downs. However, there are multiple shorter alternative paths through the park.
- Alltrails Map: bit.ly/GovernmentCanyon
- Park Website: tpwd.texas.gov/government-canyon
Hiking Tips
If you've never done a long hike, let this be your inspiration. If you can go 5 miles without incident, you can make it to 10. Just follow this simple advice:
Get the Right Gear
You don't need much, but durable hiking boots or trail running shoes, a comfortable backpack and a hat help immensely. While not required, lightweight trekking poles will save your knees.
Pack Light and Right
Water is the most essential thing to pack in Texas. A 2.5- to 3-liter water bladder should cover you for the day and is much easier to carry than multiple bottles. You'll also need a good lunch and basic first aid supplies like ibuprofen for pain and bandages for blisters.
Pace Yourself
Eat a filling breakfast and stretch in the morning. These hikes will take the bulk of your day, so get an early start — but don't rush. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the scenery. It isn't a race!
Plan Ahead
Start with shorter hikes before tackling a longer trail. Also, plan your route ahead so you don't end up somewhere you don't want to be. Speaking of where you don't want to be — long hikes like these in the heat of a summer afternoon can be unsafe.
