Totally worth the drive and walking up the stairs. The only thing is to be aware of the parking…read moresituation..make sure to get their early ..parking spaces are limited and the street is narrow.

Amazing view. Very peaceful. Get there early and beat the traffic and get ready for lots of stairs…read moreto climb. Totally worth it.

Overlook Park and Dam at Canyon Lake (about 50-60ish miles from both Austin and San Antonio) is the…read morepublic park I visit most often since joining the CL community in June 2020. At least a couple of times per month, we make our weekend run over the dam from North Park and bask in the seasonal beauty of the big blue lake, the variety of plants on the slopes and forest, and the joy of other visitors taking it all in. Who knows how long it will last in these troubled times for public works, but today, the park remains free to enter from dawn to dusk. The enforcement of parking and capacity limits is by Comal County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), while the authority for the water and 1964-built dam falls on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Game Wardens, and the Guadalupe - Blanco River Authority (GBRA). Finally, the Water Oriented Recreation District (WORD) helps with safety signage and waste management around the park by providing free litter bags to make it as easy as possible for visitors to pack out their trash. The park technically doesn't promote swim access, and there is no lifeguard or buoy barrier system for protected swim zones, but you will see many swimmers and floaters in the cold water around the rocky shore during warm weather. The closer to the dam you are, the more likely you'll see fish swimming in the clear water, so bring your snorkel and enjoy. Keep in mind, depth drops off steeply down to 120 feet, so if you're not a strong swimmer, a life vest or other safety provisions may be in order. Certainly, keep an eye on your kids at all times. If you want a coveted spot for the day at the shoreline, you're going to need to plan ahead. Pack up your provisions, chairs, shade tent, what-have-you and get to the park as soon as possible after dawn to secure a parking spot. You'll need your goat feet and maybe an all-terrain wagon to get down the rocky trails to your place at the water. The shore is entirely limestone, so you typically won't be able to use stakes for a pop-up; plan to weigh down with something else, as Canyon Lake gets VERY windy. Restrooms are at the far southeast end of the park, near the Gorge overlook. You'll also find porto-johns near the dam gate and disabled parking spots. If you're still there by sunset, you'll hear the sheriff's deputy over a PA system asking you to leave. There is no camping or overnight parking allowed. Note that this park is also home to USACE headquarters for Canyon Lake. Their visitor center is open Mon-Fri, 8a-4:30p except for federal holidays. A few times per year, special events may open up an opportunity to drive across the dam's paved path (a.k.a. the Verada Real). These spots are secured through a charitable donation to the DAM Community Alliance (damcommunityalliance.com) and tend to sell out fast. Otherwise, only pedestrians, strollers, and bicycles are allowed on the paved path. Dogs should be on leash and poop should be picked up, please, for the love of all that is holy. More to come....

We have lived next to Overlook Park and Canyon Dam for 10 years and it has gone to hell in a…read morehandbasket in the last two or three years. It's like the county government, in coordination with the Army Corp. of Engineers has decided that they just don't want people here. First it was erecting "no parking signs" on the road and handing out tickets by the sheriffs department. Then they installed tire flattener spikes at the exit and gate barriers so that access was restricted. They had the sheriffs department come in every night to throw people out at sunset. We used to call that person the "Dam Nazi" (Canyon Dam). Now they close the place early even before hours are over and sometimes they don't open it at all. And worst of all they've started lining tow trucks up to tow people's cars at sunset without warning. It's ridiculous. It's like they are practicing for totalitarianism. It's like the government has decided that they hate people. My daughter and son-in-law walked the over-the-dam walkway with our 3-year-old granddaughter; when they came back to leave, his pick-up truck was in the air - the tow truck driver said he would take $150 to lower it again so they could drive home. People are literally starting to move out of Comal County. It has become downright evil and the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority seems to be getting rich by selling all of Canyon Lake's water downstream. This is the rural version of Los Angeles, Seattle or Denver. It's getting nasty.

If you're looking for a quick outdoor escape in the Texas Hill Country, Old Baldy Park is one of…read morethe best hidden gems in Wimberley. This small park, just a couple miles from downtown Wimberley, is all about the climb and the view. It's only about a 0.2-mile hike, but don't let the short distance fool you--the 218 rock steps will definitely get your legs working. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the Texas Hill Country, making it absolutely worth the effort. The vibe here is peaceful and scenic--perfect for a quick nature break, catching a sunrise or sunset, or just enjoying some quiet time with great views. It's also very family-friendly and pet-friendly, though the stairs can be a bit challenging for some. Old Baldy isn't a long hike or a full-day park--it's more of a quick but rewarding climb. Simple, scenic, and one of those spots that feels like a local secret. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in Wimberley, especially for the views at the top.

Old Baldy Stairs Park, nestled in a residential area surrounded by houses is a must-visit…read moredestination whenever you're in Wimberley. The hike is short but very steep. And although the steps are very narrow, handrails on both sides make it feel safe. Upon reaching the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Wimberley Valley. Great way to get your steps in while breathing in nature. Note: There's very limited parking space.

It's time for a summer 2024 update on my review of Guadalupe South River Nature Trail (GSRNT,…read morelocated just below the Canyon Lake Dam off South Access Road in Canyon Lake, Texas). I still love this park and trail system, and everything wonderful in my original review holds true, but there is an important caveat to share (read to the end to find out). Please, if you visit this wonderful park, leave no trace. Pack out what you bring in, and if you are able bodied, get bonus karma points by bringing in a WORD mesh bag (you can pick one up at the trailhead) to carry out any trash you may see along the trail. If we all work together, we can keep this place as a clean and harmonious place for all to experience the wonder and awe of Mother Nature. GSRNT is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with contributions by the local nonprofit Water Oriented Recreation District (WORD) of Comal County and the Lindheimer Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists https://txmn.org/lindheimer/, plus semi-annual Eagle Scout projects for trail rehabilitation and Keep Canyon Lake Beautiful (KCLB) for trash pickup. Most people doing work on this trail system are unpaid volunteers who care about this community. Parking for about 30 vehicles is available on the tree-shaded dirt/gravel lot on the river side of the South Access Road, and the trailhead is at the corner of the lot. Walk carefully as you follow the trail, as there are quite a few rustic steps and tree roots with a bit of elevation change if you continue to the end of the 1 mile, single-track path. The 30 markers along the trail highlight some of the native plants that thrive near our Hill Country waterways. See the guide online at https://txmn.org/lindheimer/guadalupe-river-south-trail/ . If you aren't a hiker, there's great fishing on the bank and cold water for floating or lounging in a short chair. Bird watching is an option, too. Access to GSRNT is unfortunately restricted on weekends from Friday evening to Sunday evening since May 2023. Why? During the pandemic, exponentially more people began spending time outdoors and many new visitors discovered the beauty of the parks in the Texas Hill Country. Unfortunately, too many of these folks left behind litter and destruction, with no regard for the impact to other visitors, park maintenance volunteers & staff, or the natural habitat. This negative behavior resulted in changed policies and reduced hours at numerous parks, including GSRNT. The restricted access is a bummer for locals and conscientious visitors alike. Most people work during the week and only have time for hiking on the weekends. It's a shame that a few bad apples ruin things for everyone. :-( On the other hand, I am grateful that the damage to GSRNT is being minimized and it's in good shape whenever I am able to visit on weekdays.

Who doesn't love a free nature park or trail! We came to…read morecanyon lake on new years weekend and had a list of their trails and parks we wanted to hit but a lot of it was closed except for this special trail. They had a decent parking lot and we began our trail. The trail is large and lengthy, there were a few benches and some decent pic spots, it's on the other side of the river and the housing area. The water in the river is also pretty clear. It was a nice free nature thing to do especially when the weathers nice!

I'm sure that during its peak season and at its full potential, the well will be much more…read morecaptivating and visually appealing than my experience of it. But despite that notion, Jacob's Well overall is very underwhelming. The hike is probably the shortest and least challenging I've ever experienced. There are several mini trails that are great for kids to explore, along with a large tire swing at the front entrance. Jacob's Well is definitely very kid- and senior-friendly as it's not very strenuous at all to hike or walk around. It's a nice that it's there for everyone to experience nature but again, very underwhelming. We spent about half an hour there which was enough time to experience the entire area. Definitely worth a visit if it's your first time in Wimberley.

We were told by an employee that the drought, as well as the blooming algae has had Jacob's well…read moreclosed to swimming for 4 years now...

If you're looking for a short hike with classic Hill Country features and almost no one else…read morearound, the Curry Nature Center (or preserve) is a wonderful free-to-the-public option in Canyon Lake. The coliche and timber-lined trail is very well maintained and plenty wide enough. The hilly loop is about .7 miles and whichever turn you take, you'll have some pretty good elevation change and some great terraced steps. The view is pretty mich tree-covered hills dotted with a few houses and cell towers. We didn't notice any creeks or springs, but there is a fountain at the trailhead. Our first visit was for a family walk during the first cool Fall weather in October 2020, and it was the perfect way to get outdoors and get the blood pumping before dinner. We encountered only two other parties along the short hike, each walking their dogs. Now that I'm a part-time Canyon Laker, I know I'll be back often to use this park for trail running workouts. You can make a challenge of running multiple loops, working on uphill and downhill stability and stamina. During summer, I recommend early mornings, as there is no shade at all on the path.

Just shy of a mile, perfect loop to walk the dogs. Trail is clean and well maintained. The water…read morefountains at the entrance is perfect for both humans and furry companions. This will definitely be my go to spot!

Now that it's almost Summer 2022 - yay! - and there are lots of changes this season in WORD-leased…read moreparks, it's time for an update to my review from last year. Please check out that comprehensive narrative if you want to learn about what "WORD" is and why the rules and fees here are different from other parts of Canyon Lake, which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Before you head to this park on the North side of Canyon Lake near Brookshire Brothers off 306, be sure to check social media (the "book of face") to see what WORD's latest updates are. That is where they will post any notices about the park being full, maintenance closures, or changes in policy. Make sure you sort Posts by Most Recent. https://www.facebook.com/Canyon-Park-on-Canyon-Lake-112315650954797 The biggest change for 2022 (April 1 - September 30 operating days) is a pricing increase for anyone without a vehicle registered in Comal County. If you are visiting from out of town, you will now pay $20 per carload. Locals driving their Comal County-registered vehicle (per the windshield sticker as proof) get in for $5 per carload. Gates will close when the park reaches capacity and no one is admitted after the gatehouse closes for the day at 6p. Gatehouse Hours (for Swim Beaches): Mon - Fri: 10a - 6p Sat, Sun, & Holidays: 8a - 6p Swim Beach Hours: Mon - Fri: 10a - 7:30p Sat, Sun, & Holidays: 8a - 7:30p Another major change this year is that the Madrone Trail parking area (for the free hiking, mountain biking, and trail running trail system) is closed every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This means you cannot access this trail system without paying to enter the park on the weekends, and you will be subject to park closure at capacity. For 2022, the boat ramp and day-use picnic sites at the tip of the peninsula (Park Areas 2, 3, & 4) have the same locals $5/non-locals $20 pricing structure, but you can get in as early as 8a (and should because these fill up fast each day in the summer). You must exit these areas by 7:30p, so plan accordingly to get your boat out in time at the end of the day or be banned. The WORD gatehouse staff do not mess around. More details available at https://wordcc.com/canyon-park/

The older male attendant with the beard refused to refund my $20 after our GPS took us to the wrong…read moreentrance and we had to make a U-turn before even getting to enjoy the lake. He told me, "No refunds, I'm sorry," and I replied, "You're not sorry." It was incredibly frustrating to lose $20 without seeing any part of the lake. I wish the staff had more discretion and common sense to handle situations like this, especially when the issue was caused by incorrect directions rather than us using the facilities. Couldn't even hold eye contact with me.

This review is targeting active adults who love the outdoors and like to run, hike, or cycle…read more(mountain bike) on trails with a variety of terrain: grassland, limestone rock gardens, oak groves, and lake shoreline. If that doesn't float your boat, or you are looking for a spot to have a family swim & picnic with the kids, knock the stars down to 2 and find another pretty park to explore during your visit to North Canyon Lake. Old Hancock Equestrian Trail is a free, public, day-use-only park on land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, like all the other land in the flood plain surrounding Canyon Lake. It is designated specifically for horseback riding, so everyone else must yield to those riders. If you get there before 9a on a weekday, chances are, you'll have the whole place to yourself for a 7-mile round-trip (out and back) trip from the trailhead around the north shore of the lake to Canyon Park Road (near Brookshire Brothers and Canyon Beach). The horses are more commonly seen on the weekends but may be there at any time, along with their owners' trucks and trailers in the dirt parking area. Just off the parking area, there are a few spurs that take you through the bushes to the lakeshore. This area is often used by anglers and kayakers to access the lake during good conditions for their sport, but its main purpose is for horses and their riders to take a dip after their ride. Toward the northeast from the parking area is the main trailhead, next to the informational kiosk. Take the path in the grass that heads north/northeast and follows the shore of the lake. About half the time, you'll have a water view; other times, it will be tall grasses, trees, or cow pastures. Depending on the time of day and time of year, you'll see a variety of birds, insects, deer, cattle, and maybe a big spiny lizard, a snapping turtle, or a harmless rat snake if you're lucky. In the spring, wildflowers and butterflies are abundant, but so can be the mud. In summer, it is hotter than Hades but the lake breeze is nice with the blue water and blue skies. In the fall, a few of the trees take on a magnificent red, orange, and yellow color scheme. In winter, everything is dried out and gray. I just love watching the seasons change here. At different points along the trail, you'll find rest benches, trail markers, and spurs down to the water, where you are welcome to go for a swim (at least at the time of this writing in June 2022). It's one of the last places around Canyon Lake where you can do that without paying a fee, but you've got to want it bad enough to hike there & back, and you can only bring what you can carry on your back. The trail (more like a dual-track dirt road) is mostly flat and open with sand, grass, or caliche surfaces, but there are a few challenging sections with short inclines, yards of bumpy rocks, and a couple of wet weather creek crossings. After a rain, there's also the possibility that some local dude from the adjacent neighborhood will have gone "night muddin'" out there in a 4x4 and made the ruts deep in some areas, but this has lately not been such a problem since the Comal County Sherriff has started warning about the potential $5,000 fine for using a motorized vehicle on the trail. A few words of warning: - This park property is between private land (residences, ranches, and businesses) and the lake. Be sure to stay on the trail and don't trespass over fences or beyond posted "private property" areas. - Shade is limited and the sun can be intense at least 10 months of the year, so wear a hat and sunscreen, make sure you're hydrated, go with a buddy, and try to time your trip for hours close to sun up or sundown. It would not be easy for an emergency vehicle to reach you out there if heatstroke happened. - No restrooms, water fountains, or trash bins are available to users of this trail. Pack in and pack out everything. Leave no trace. Litterbugs, shoo, stay away!

The Old Hancock Trail is primarily a trail for horses, but it also makes a good hiking trail. If it…read moreis warm outside, beware because there is lots of sunshine on this trail and little shade. Investing in some SPF 40 might be a good idea. It is mostly a dirt trail that skirts the northern side of the lake and stretches for about 3 1/2 miles to end at Canyon Park. To find the trailhead, just find your way to FM 306 (I took FM 12 out of San Marcos and it was a scenic drive). Once you pass FM 3424 on the north side of the lake, continue for about 1.9 miles on FM 306 until you see a street sign for Hancock Road. This road passes by a small airport and then dead ends at the trailhead where there is tons of free parking. Take a picnic with you and maybe a swimsuit, because there are several places along the trail that would be a good stop for a swim and a bite to eat. I mostly felt like I was hiking on someone's ranch road that happened to be next to a nice lake. I saw several deer and birds along the way, and there were a few people on horseback also. I'm sure this trail would be full of wildflowers and butterflies in the Spring. Anyway, I hope this encourages you to check it out when you have a free day to play in the sun. I'm not sure how Yelp ended up with this in Lubbock, but don't worry, I am working with them to fix this error. Yes, it is on Canyon Lake. Google Maps must hate Canyon Lake for some reason. :-)