Texas

The Government Loop is a ~12.75 mile trail that is great for intermediate-advanced hikers who want a longer loop. The trail winds through a beautiful forest and is shared with mountain bikers and trail runners. The trail is open year-round and allows dogs. 

Five days prior to Labor Day weekend of 2017 we were the crazy ones who decided to raft on the Rio Grande when we heard it jumped up to a flow of 10,000 cubic feet per second. This was one of the first times in 10 years that the water had ever been this high.  The 3 of us had canoed this stretch ...

The trail features a gorgeous river, and is enjoyable for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed to use this trail, but must be kept on leash.  Parking at Blue Hole Park is relatively easy. Once parked, head west down the river for about a quarter mile and you'll find some picnic tables and a pavili...

The Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is a 6.5 mile loop hike within McKinney Falls State Park, just outside of Austin city limits. The trail is long however pretty beginner level as there are not many inclines. The trail features two waterfalls: the Upper and Lower falls which are popular swi...

The trick to this view is that the park gate closes at 5 pm. Therefore you have two options: Option 1Park at the entrance of the park (outside of the gate) and hike into the park. From there walk along the road to the park entrance ($5 entrance fee) and continue to the first left road ...

The Bull Creek Trail is an Out-and-Back trail along Bull Creek; it's a pretty beginner to intermediate hike. The trail follows along Bull Creek which runs between the hills of the Austin Hill Country. There are several waterfalls which can be found along the creek. The trail has multiple access p...

The Longhorn Cavern State Park is a hidden gem in the Hill Country. The caverns are breathtaking and some of the walls are completely covered in Quartz. During prohibition, bootleggers used the caverns as a speakeasy and there are remnants left from that era. In order to view the Caverns you must...

The Little Fern Trail is a 1.9 mile out-and-back hike that is a part of the River Place Nature Trail. It is perfect for hiking, walking, running, and biking. The trail is open for use year-round and is easy to follow, with lots of small, side waterfalls and lush greenery scattered along. The tree...

The Violet Crown Trail: Zilker to 360 is 3.7 mile out-and-back stretch through the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The trail begins in Zilker Park and follows Barton Creek all the way south to Loop 360. Parking can be found at Zilker Park. Though on weekends and during the summer time, the park is usuall...

The Southeast Metropolitan Park Primitive Trail is a quick 2.3 mile hike, perfect for families, hikers, and trail runners. This trail is dog friendly, and is open for use year round. This hike is lightly trafficked, so this is a great place to go if you are looking for some solitude. 

Southeast of Houston is flat. It's damp, lots of bugs, not the place many visitors think of as having outdoor recreation opportunities. But hidden away about 5 miles south of Alvin, TX is this wonderful county park with a network of trails meandering around the aptly named Chocolate Bayou, a snak...

The Three Falls Hike is a 7.35 mile out and back hike located in the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, Texas. The hike is heavily trafficked. The trail takes you past three waterfalls, which during the summer time serve as extremely popular swimming holes. Please note that the flow of the waterf...

This trail is perfect for the whole family (including dogs)! The trail is shared by walkers and runners. The Panther Canyon Nature Trail is open for use year round, and is a great location for birding. The trail is a bit rocky in spots - so shoes with ankle support are recommended. 

The Homestead Loop hike is a 3.1 mile loop featuring the Lower Falls of McKinney Falls State Park. The hike is pretty intermediate and is mostly shaded. There are not many inclines. It is both dog- and kid-friendly. The trail does cross small streams, so be weary to bring water shoes/sandals.  Th...

Starting at the parking lot at the top of the hill there are great views of the lake. As you descend on the criss-crossing trails, be careful of crumbling rocks. At the bottom of the park which borders the river just below the dam, you will find waterfalls and a pool.Trails are not well marked, s...

Before I describe this trail, what season are you hiking? If summer, stop reading now and find another hike. Not summer? Okay, great, let's get started. Do not take inexperienced hikers on this trail, particularly in hotter weather. While it's only 8 miles total (4 out, 4 back), it's constantly ...